After a successful end to the season, Milan are looking to strengthen the squad with some signings ahead of the next one. The foundation, which they have Stefano Pioli to thank for, is already there and just a few reinforcements are need to challenge for a top-four finish. However, they are also looking to make some sales.
Confirmed sales
Suso (Sevilla, €21-24m): The Spaniard left the Rossoneri back in January on loan, but due to the clauses in the deal, it was pretty evident that he wouldn’t return this summer. Sevilla secured Champions League qualification and the purchase of the winger was thus triggered, for a reported fee of €21-24m in total.
Considering how Suso played towards the end of his Milan tenure, it’s a good deal for the latter, especially since they signed him for virtually nothing back in 2015. Sure, he has played some very good games for the Rossoneri but it was admittedly time for the parties to part ways.
Ricardo Rodriguez (Torino, €3m plus bonuses): Just like Suso, the Swiss international was loaned out in January but PSV Eindhoven decided not to redeem him. Therefore, Milan had to find a new buyer and Torino stepped forward, with their new manager Marco Giampaolo keen on the left-back.
On June 30th, Rodriguez’ value on the balance sheet was €3.5m and considering the additional two months of amortization since, Milan will register a small capital gain from the sale. Above all, the priority was to avoid a loss on the 27-year-old who really has declined in the last few years.
Potential sales
Pepe Reina (Aston Villa, Valencia): The goalkeeper recently returned from a loan spell at Aston Villa and Milan are keen on finding him a new club. His salary of €3m per year doesn’t exactly match his role as a backup for Gigio Donnarumma, which is why the Rossoneri want to part ways with him.
In recent days, Valencia have shown a lot of interest in the 37-year-old and Milan are willing to let him leave for free. Furthermore, it seems that Reina himself wants a starting position and this could push him towards a move without asking the Rossoneri for a severance pay.
Diego Laxalt (Lokomotiv Moscow): He was brought back early from his loan at Torino, but that was just an emergency move. It’s clear that the Uruguayan’s isn’t included in Milan’s project for next season and he will thus leave the club, or at least that’s the plan.
Lokomotiv have shown their interest several times over the last few weeks. In fact, negotiations have taken place between the clubs but they can’t seem to agree on a fee, with the Rossoneri asking for €10m. Most likely, they will meet somewhere in the middle.
Davide Calabria (Sevilla, Real Betis): Milan are expected to sign a new right-back ahead of the upcoming season but this also means they need to make space. Although Andrea Conti hasn’t performed at a high level either, the Rossoneri are likely to sell Calabria instead for the financial benefits.
The 23-year-old came through the youth ranks and will thus guarantee a full capital gain. Sevilla and Real Betis are interested but have only made loan offers, which Milan only will accept if an obligation to buy is included. It remains to be seen if the right offer will arrive.
Rade Krunic (Freiburg, Torino): The midfielder arrived from Empoli for a fee of €8m last summer after a successful season despite the relegation. However, as Milan changed to a two-man midfield quite early on, the Bosnian didn’t get much playing time this past season.
Therefore, with several clubs interested in his service, the Rossoneri could decide to cash in this summer. It shouldn’t be too hard for them to make a capital gain and the Freiburg have reportedly made an offer which Milan ‘are considering’. Torino and Giampaolo are also keen.
Lucas Paqueta (Fiorentina): Milan are willing to part ways with the Brazilian but there seems to be a lack of suitors. Although I wrote down Fiorentina, they haven’t really made any concrete steps to sign Paqueta, rather the Rossoneri have tried to include him in a few potential operations.
His future remains a real dilemma and he could very well end up staying at the club. In addition to those already mentioned, Milan could also loan out Leo Duarte and Matteo Gabbia, who both will be reserves for the upcoming season. Not technically sales, but something to keep in mind.
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