AC Milan were quite busy this transfer window, securing 11 signings. The money was spent shrewdly, acquiring low-cost veterans as well as securing different loan-structured deals. Milan are still low on funds due to years prior, so they worked with certain limits, but overall improved the quality of the squad.
AC Milan Transfer Market Grades
Defence – The Top Grade for AC Milan
The biggest departure from the team came in the defence, with Gianluigi Donnarumma departing for Paris Saint-Germain. He’s a fantastic goalkeeper, for the present and future, so this move hurt Milan.
The Rossoneri acted swiftly, however, and purchased Mike Maignan from Lille. He led all European goalkeepers in clean sheets last season, and has already played very well to open up his Milan career. All signs indicate Maignan being the present and future.
Permanently purchasing Fikayo Tomori was a major priority as well. Tomori broke through last season on loan from Chelsea, often looking like Milan’s defender. He’s extremely tough, intelligent, agile, and athletic – making him the perfect centre-back alongside veteran Simon Kjaer.
Alessandro Florenzi also came on loan. He brings plenty to the table. First of all, Florenzi has loads of Champions League experience, which Milan need. Secondly, he’s very versatile. The Italian can play right-back, midfield, and right-wing. He’ll certainly be used in a multitude of positions as Davide Calabria is the first-name right-back. Purchasing Florenzi was also crucial as Diogo Dalot was not retained from Manchester United.
Lastly, Fode Ballo-Toure joined as a backup left-back option. He arrived for a low fee and should prove to be a solid depth option.
Grade: 8/10
Midfield
The midfield acquisitions include Tiemoue Bakayoko, Sandro Tonali, and Yacine Adli.
Bakayoko is welcomed back with open arms. He shined for Milan during his first spell with the team, and maintained Serie A experience playing for Napoli afterwards. He’s experienced and a tough defensive-minded midfielder. Bakayoko presents the ideal backup option. Franck Kessie and Ismael Bennacer are the starters. The duo, however, will be gone throughout January for the African Cup of Nations. This is where Bakayoko will shine.
Tonali played for Milan last season, but his move was made permanent. The Italian starlet carries unlimited potential. He’s creative, energetic, tough, and plays with his heart on his sleeve. Securing Tonali is a fantastic move for the present, but most importantly the future. He also scored his first Milan goal last weekend with an excellent free-kick.
Adli is an option for the future. He’s spending this season on loan at Bordeaux, where he played last season as well. The Frenchman is both versatile and creative. Milan will keep a close eye on his development.
Grade: 7/10
Attack
Milan brought in Olivier Giroud, Brahim Diaz, Pietro Pellegri, and Junior Messias in the attack.
Giroud is as experienced as they come, winning the World Cup and the Champions League. He’s a stellar finisher and excels in hold-up play. He even scored a brace this past weekend. Giroud will be crucial down the line for both his abilities and when backing up an injury-prone Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Diaz shined on loan from Real Madrid last season, so he was brought back. He now takes over the starting attacking midfielder position. This, of course, is due to Hakan Calhanoglu departing for Inter Milan. Diaz is highly creative and on the cusp of breaking out.
Pellegri is another move for the future. The young Italian comes in as the third option at striker. He failed to impress while at Monaco, but Milan are giving him a career-revival here. Learning from Ibrahimovic and Giroud should give him a significant boos.
Lastly, Messias remains somewhat of a mystery, at least for Milan fans. He played well last season and is a decent profile, but at 30-years-old is a stopgap depth option. He’s the deadline day signing, however.
Milan fans expected more of a boost in the attacking department, looking for a “household name” on the wing. That did not happen, leaving them to settle with the aforementioned players
Grade: 5.5/10
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