Allegri ‘wanted Xhaka at Milan, appreciates Estupinan’

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Susy Campanale | Last updated Jul 21, 2025 12:19 PM ET

Max Allegri ‘wanted Granit Xhaka at Milan and really appreciates Pervis Estupinan,’ confirmed mentor Giovanni Galeone, but ‘expects a very strong squad.’

The Rossoneri’s transfer strategy has not been entirely successful so far this summer, as while they were able to bring in Luka Modric as a free agent and Samuele Ricci from Torino, they are still without full-backs.

The fans are starting to get worried after missing out on some very public targets, such as Archie Brown to Fenerbahce, but it is another more veteran figure that the coach was most looking forward to.

Milan not getting targets Allegri asked for

“Allegri wanted Xhaka at Milan, he likes that player a lot,” Galeone told Top Calcio 24.

After seemingly not being for sale, there are now reports Xhaka could be leaving Bayer Leverkusen after all for either Fenerbahce or Saudi Pro League side Neom SC.

Milan badly need full-backs after releasing so many of their players in those roles, and the main candidate now is Estupinan of Brighton and Hove Albion.

“Estupinan is a player who Max really appreciates too,” added his mentor and now retired coach.

“Allegri is fired up and not worried by the fact the transfer market is moving slowly, but he does expect a very strong squad.”

Time is running short, especially as Milan will kick off the campaign earlier than most to participate in the Coppa Italia against Bari on August 17.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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