‘Summer revolution’ planned at Milan – Leao and several others among exit candidates

Originally posted on SempreMilan | By Oliver Fisher | Last updated Feb 20, 2025 6:25 AM ET

The AC Milan management showed in the winter transfer window that they are not frightened of making big changes, and it will be the same in the summer.

La Gazzetta dello Sport speak of an upcoming ‘revolution’ regardless of whether Milan get a top four spot and if they were to win the Coppa Italia. It will be interesting to understand what will happen, to see which players will stay and which will say goodbye.

For some, it will depend on the head coach (potentially a new one) and the director who will make the choices. Giorgio Furlani will definitely remain, but questions will be asking of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Geoffrey Moncada, while a new sporting director could arrive. Who else is at risk though?

The Leao case

Theo Hernandez is at odds with Milan, and should leave in the summer or when his contract expires at the latest. However, his partner on the left flank Rafael Leao – who he arrived with in 2019 – is also at risk of leaving.

They made their way together, they reached their peak together and now they are being questioned together. Leao is not unsellable for Milan: he has a long contract but he hasn’t made the leap in quality expected and is the subject of criticism.

There are signs that the end of the cycle is near, but it will depend on the offers. The clause of €175m is purely formal: it does not represent Leao’s value nor Milan’s request. The impression, at the end of February, is that €80m would be enough though the next two months could change that.

What is certain is that, at the moment, one destination for Rafa is more likely than the others: Saudi Arabia. There is no shortage of money in the Saudi Pro League and Leao is obviously of interest.

The defensive department

Fikayo Tomori was twice on the verge of leaving in the winter but said no to Juventus and above all to Tottenham. The price, more or less money, was set: €25m (plus bonuses). Even in the summer, a lot will depend on him, because Milan made it clear enough what they think.

Tomori for Conceiçao was a starter in January, yet now he is less so. Speaking of which, pay attention to Malick Thiaw, who is playing a bit more recently having lost his starting spot before, and has always had admirers in the Bundesliga and Premier League.

What does it take to be a candidate for a move in football today? Playing at a good level, having an affordable salary for the buying clubs and representing a capital gain for the selling club. With Thiaw, three out of three.

Strahinja Pavlovic, on the other hand, cost more, has been in Milan for a shorter time and seems to be growing week by week. Now it is more likely that he will stay, but the Rossoneri directors could quickly change their mind.

This article first appeared on SempreMilan and was syndicated with permission.

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