AC Milan ownership and management have enforced a strict transfer stance, confirming that Santiago Gimenez, Fikayo Tomori, and Youssouf Fofana remain completely outside the club’s plans under head coach Ruben Amorim, according to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport and Eurosport. Club owner Gerry Cardinale has backed the hardline policy, which leaves the trio facing the prospect of being excluded from Serie A squad lists and potentially left out of matchday squads until at least January if they fail to secure transfers.
The Scope of Milan’s Exclusions Under Cardinale
The decision to freeze out Gimenez, Tomori, and Fofana serves as an unmistakable signal from the AC Milan hierarchy. According to verified Italian sports media reports, none of the three players have been included in the club’s Serie A squad list for the current campaign. This strict roster management reflects direct sporting evaluations made by Ruben Amorim, who has determined that the trio do not fit his tactical framework moving forward. Even if the transfer window closes with the players still physically present at Milanello, the executive leadership has signaled that there will be no reintegration into the first-team squad.
Transfer Market Valuations and Destination Scrutiny
Each of the three frozen players commands a distinct market valuation and wage profile as negotiations continue. Mexican striker Santiago Gimenez was previously linked with a move to Porto, though that potential deal stalled after Milan rejected an opening proposal featuring a loan with a 15 million euro option to buy, as reported by Eurosport. The Rossoneri management are holding out for a higher valuation and firmer guarantees regarding a permanent transfer. Meanwhile, French midfielder Youssouf Fofana carries a net annual salary of 3 million euros, making him financially accessible to foreign suitors. Milan have set Fofana’s asking price between 15 and 20 million euros, drawing preliminary interest from Premier League clubs such as Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace, and Brighton, while Fantacalcio and Calciomercato have noted exploratory contact from Turkish side Galatasaray. However, Fofana has reportedly ruled out a return to French football.
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Defensive and Financial Implications for Tomori
English defender Fikayo Tomori presents a complex profile for the club’s balance sheets. Tomori earns a reported salary of 3,5 million euros per season, though his financial impact on the club is mitigated by Italy’s Growth Decree tax incentives. Recent weeks saw a brief inquiry from Aston Villa that failed to materialize into a formal bid, while Juventus—whose technical director Massara originally brought Tomori to Milan—has not pursued an active follow-up, according to Eurosport. With the Italian transfer window approaching its final deadline, the trio faces immediate decisions regarding their professional futures away from San Siro.
Next Steps and Transfer Window Closure
The immediate futures of Gimenez, Tomori, and Fofana will be determined by the final hours of the European transfer window. Milan’s sporting management remains firm on their valuation demands and roster exclusions, leaving the players with limited time to finalize moves before domestic squad lists are definitively frozen.
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