From Pulisic to Lewandowski: Milan’s transfer plans depend on Champions League
Milan’s transfer strategy will largely hinge on whether the Rossoneri qualify for the Champions League, and not only because of financial reasons.
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Milan have lost two of their last five league games, seeing their advantage over fifth place reduced to six points.
The Rossoneri return to action later today against Udinese at San Siro and have been warned by their coach, Massimiliano Allegri, not to let themselves be overwhelmed by negative events, to avoid “a disaster” in the final seven games of the campaign.
Qualification for the Champions League would provide Milan with a financial boost of €60m-€70m. However, as Gazzetta highlights, the importance of returning to Europe’s elite competition goes beyond just money.
The pink paper suggests that USMNT star Christian Pulisic would likely leave San Siro if Milan fail to finish in the top four and that even Luka Modric’s future would be uncertain.
Pulisic’s contract expires in June 2027, but Milan have an option to extend for a further campaign, while Modric’s deal runs out at the end of the season.
Without Champions League football, the Rossoneri would naturally be less appealing to some free agents they are targeting for next season, including Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich) and Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona).
The Italian newspaper reiterates that the latter wants to remain in Europe beyond the summer, but qualification for the Champions League is a must for any suitor.
Gazzetta reports that the Champions League budget would help Milan sign both a centre-forward and a centre-back, who are seen as the club’s priorities on the market for 2026-27.
If Milan were to qualify for the Europa League rather than the Champions League, the club management would still need to add depth to the team.
If no big player is sold to balance the books, then the Diavoli could be forced to listen to offers for Davide Bartesaghi, a product of the Milan academy, whose departure would provide the club with a substantial capital gain.