A dramatic reshaping is on the horizon at San Siro. With the curtain slowly lowering on the 2024-25 campaign, Milan is beginning to chart the blueprint of its next era. Amid uncertainty surrounding the sporting director and coaching appointments, some of the club’s biggest names are under review—and so is the fate of several high-profile stars.
Among them? A resurgent winger, a struggling loanee, a $32 million investment yet to ignite, and an American star reborn in red and black. But who stays, and who goes?
One of Milan’s most consistent performers this season has been Christian Pulisic, whose fifteen goals across competitions have not only silenced early skepticism but placed him among Europe’s most productive wide attackers. A contract renewal is already agreed—though not yet officially announced—and Milan has no intention of letting him go. “The Rossoneri have no intention of… falling into temptation,” La Gazzetta dello Sport reports, referencing the interest from top clubs.
Joining Pulisic on the Rossoneri’s untouchable list is Rafael Leao. After a rocky first half of the season—marked by inconsistent performances and even benchings—the Portuguese has found a new gear, reaching double digits in both goals and assists.
“He has grown above all on a mental level,” Gazzetta notes. The club sees him as a cornerstone of the future, and only an offer north of $114 million would be considered. Even then, it would go against Leao’s own wishes: he wants to stay at Milan, potentially with the captain’s armband.
Santiago Gimenez: Costly bet still under review
Another player generating discussion is Santiago Gimenez. The Mexican striker, signed for $32 million, has endured a mixed season. While not explicitly listed for sale, Milan expects a lot more in the campaign’s final stretch if he is to keep his place heading into the summer.
“The club will not give up on Santiago Gimenez,” writes Gazzetta, “but the Mexican will have to give some signals in the last month and a half.” His status remains in doubt, but not yet beyond repair.
Joao Felix: Gamble that didn’t pay off
There’s less ambiguity surrounding Joao Felix. Arriving in January on loan from Chelsea, the Portuguese playmaker failed to impress, offering little return on Milan’s winter gamble. His time in red and black is effectively over. He will not be signed permanently, and his name tops the list of Milan’s summer outgoings.
“Joao Felix will not be permanently signed after a disappointing loan spell,” Gazzetta confirms. The fleeting link between Felix and the Rossoneri has ended without spark or substance.
