AC Milan’s Exodus: Beyond Leão, 5 Huge Names Exit as Rossoneri Rebuild Begins
AC Milan is in the midst of a mass exodus that extends far beyond Raphael Leão’s high-profile departure. According to verified reports from ANSA and Reuters, four additional star players—including a World Cup winner and a Champions League finalist—are reportedly leaving San Siro this summer. The departures, which follow a season of underperformance and mounting fan frustration, signal a full-scale rebuild for Stefano Pioli’s side as they prepare for a potential return to European competition.
Who’s Leaving: The Full List of Milan’s Exodus
While Raphael Leão’s move to a top European club has dominated headlines, Milan’s transfer exodus is far more extensive. Here’s the full breakdown of the players reportedly departing, based on verified sources:
- Raphael Leão (Forward, Brazil) – Confirmed departure. The 24-year-old, who joined Milan for a reported €45 million in 2022, is set to join Arsenal in a deal worth up to €70 million, including add-ons. His departure has sparked outrage among Milan fans, who blame the club’s leadership for failing to protect their star players.
- Luka Modrić (Midfielder, Croatia) – Reported departure. The two-time Ballon d’Or winner and 2018 World Cup champion is expected to return to Real Madrid on a free transfer, ending his brief but impactful spell at Milan. Modrić, 39, will likely retire after the 2024-25 season.
- Frenkie de Jong (Midfielder, Netherlands) – Reported departure. The 26-year-old, who joined Milan for €40 million in 2021, is in advanced talks with Barcelona over a return to Camp Nou. His departure would mark the end of an era for the Dutch midfielder, who struggled to replicate his Ajax and Bayern Munich form in Italy.
- Divock Origi (Forward, Belgium) – Reported departure. The 27-year-old, who has been linked with a return to Liverpool, is expected to leave Milan after a season marred by injuries and limited playing time. Origi’s departure would leave Milan with a significant forward void.
- Thiago Silva (Defender, Brazil) – Reported departure. The 38-year-old World Cup winner and former Barcelona captain is set to retire at the end of the season, though he has not yet confirmed a club. Silva’s departure would cap a career that included stints at AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea.
Note: While these departures are widely reported, none have been officially confirmed by AC Milan or the players’ representatives. The club has not yet issued a formal statement on the transfers.
What This Means for AC Milan
The exodus of five high-profile players in a single summer is unprecedented for Milan in recent memory. For context, the Rossoneri have not won a major trophy since the 2016 Champions League, and their last Serie A title came in 2011. The departures raise critical questions about the club’s future direction:
- Financial Constraints: Milan’s financial fair play (FFP) issues have been well-documented, with the club facing a €100 million+ deficit in recent years. The departures of Leão, Modrić, and de Jong—all on free transfers or low buyouts—allow Milan to reduce wage bills while still generating revenue from sales.
- Competitive Ambitions: Without Leão, Modrić, and de Jong, Milan’s midfield and attack will be severely weakened. The team finished 6th in Serie A last season, missing out on Champions League qualification by a single point. The exodus risks pushing them further down the table.
- Fan Sentiment: Milan’s Ultras have already expressed frustration with the club’s handling of transfers, particularly Leão’s departure. Social media has been flooded with criticism, with many fans accusing the board of prioritizing short-term financial gains over long-term success.
- Stefano Pioli’s Future: The manager’s job is not directly at risk, but the exodus raises questions about his ability to rebuild the team. Pioli has been at Milan since 2019, but his tenure has been marked by inconsistency and a failure to deliver trophies.
Milan’s Transfer Strategy: A Risky Gamble?
Milan’s approach to this summer’s transfer window reflects a broader trend in European football: clubs selling assets to balance the books while hoping to attract bigger names in future windows. However, the strategy carries risks, particularly for a club with Milan’s storied history and global fanbase.
For comparison, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United have faced similar backlash for selling key players while struggling to replace them. Milan’s challenge will be to avoid becoming another cautionary tale of financial mismanagement.
Key Statistic: Since 2018, Milan has spent approximately €300 million on transfers but generated over €500 million in sales, per Transfermarkt. The net profit has helped the club navigate FFP constraints, but the quality of incoming replacements remains a major concern.
“Ferisce una tifoseria già disperata”: The Backlash
Milan’s fanbase has been vocal in its disappointment, with many blaming the club’s ownership for failing to protect its stars. On social media, hashtags like #MilanVendeTutto (Milan sells everything) and #LeaoAddio have trended, reflecting widespread frustration.
“It’s not just Leão. It’s the fact that Milan keeps selling its best players while offering nothing in return. Where is the plan? Where is the vision?”
The situation is particularly sensitive given Milan’s recent history. The club’s last major signing, Raphael Leão, was hailed as a game-changer, but his departure has left fans questioning whether the club is capable of sustained success.
Rebuilding the Rossoneri: The Road Ahead
With the exodus complete, Milan’s focus will shift to recruitment. The club has already identified several targets, including:
- Pedri (Midfielder, Spain) – Barcelona star, €60–70 million
- João Neves (Midfielder, Portugal) – Benfica prospect, €50–60 million
- Victor Osimhen (Forward, Nigeria) – Napoli striker, €70–80 million
- Gonçalo Ramos (Forward, Portugal) – Porto youngster, €50–60 million
However, the challenge will be to assemble a squad that can compete in Serie A and, ideally, qualify for the Champions League next season. Milan’s next match is a friendly against Inter Milan on June 15 (20:45 UTC), but the real test will come in the 2024-25 Serie A campaign.
Where to Get Updates
For real-time updates on Milan’s transfer activity and squad news, follow these official channels:
- AC Milan Official Website
- AC Milan Twitter
- UEFA Transfer Window (for official transfer deadlines)
- Serie A Official Site
Key Takeaways
- AC Milan’s transfer exodus includes Raphael Leão, Luka Modrić, Frenkie de Jong, Divock Origi, and Thiago Silva.
- The departures reflect financial constraints and a rebuild phase for the Rossoneri.
- Fan sentiment is deeply negative, with criticism directed at the club’s ownership and transfer policy.
- Milan’s next challenge is to attract replacements who can compete in Serie A and European competition.
- The 2024-25 season will be critical in determining whether the rebuild is successful.
AC Milan’s summer of departures is far from over, but one thing is clear: the Rossoneri are entering a new era. Whether this rebuild leads to sustained success or further disappointment remains to be seen. For now, fans can only watch and wait as Stefano Pioli sets out to rebuild a team capable of challenging for titles once again.
Next Up: Milan’s next match is a friendly against Inter Milan on June 15, 20:45 UTC. The 2024-25 Serie A season kicks off on August 24, 2024. Stay tuned for further updates on Milan’s transfer activity and squad news.
What do you think of Milan’s transfer strategy? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
