July 29th is almost behind us and the summer transfer window’s most crucial month closes with a Rossoneri balance sheet well below initial expectations. After the early signings that had lit up the fanbase — Gonzalo Ramos and Mario Gila — AC Milan’s market activity has come to a near standstill, a situation that is raising concerns among supporters and analysts alike.
A Quiet July: The Numbers Don’t Lie
The only concrete arrival this month has been Diawara, the midfielder from Troyes who rounds out the squad but does not raise its quality ceiling. A useful profile, certainly, but far from the high-calibre reinforcement the Rossoneri faithful are waiting for. Meanwhile, no significant departures have been confirmed: players deemed surplus to requirements remain in the squad, tying the club’s hands on the incoming front as well.
With roughly 25 days left before the transfer window closes and the same amount of time until the Serie A season kicks off, the clock is ticking. The Milan hierarchy will need to shift gears quickly to arrive at the start of the campaign with a squad that matches the ambitions declared by Gerry Cardinale.
Four Signings Still Needed: Breaking Down Each Role
To be specific, AC Milan still need at least four targeted reinforcements to build a squad capable of competing on all fronts. This isn’t about filling numbers — it’s about raising quality across the board, not patching gaps with Primavera players brought in ahead of their time.
1. A Central Defender
Amorim’s system — built on ball possession and build-up from the back — demands centre-backs who are comfortable on the ball and able to start moves from deep. It was already evident in the match against Celtic: plenty of possession, but without a true ball-playing defender, Milan struggled. An additional central defender of the right profile is the top priority.
2. A Left Winger
On the right flank, Milan can rely on Saelemaekers, Chukwueze and other internal options. On the left, however, the picture is less comfortable: Bartesaghi and Estupiñán are still developing. The idea isn’t to undermine them, but to support them with a more experienced and higher-quality player capable of delivering consistency throughout a long and demanding season.
3. A Trequartista
In Amorim’s 3-4-2-1, Nkunku and Pulisic are set to be the first-choice attacking midfielders. However, at least one credible alternative is needed — a player who can step in without a noticeable drop in quality. The number ten role in Amorim’s system is pivotal: it acts as a link between the midfield and the lone striker — Gonzalo Ramos — and must read space, play vertical passes and spark moves. Without quality in that area, Milan stalls, as already seen in spells against the Scottish side.
4. A Central Midfielder
Milan’s midfield is currently crowded in numbers but not in quality. Setting aside Rabiot and Modric, who appear central to Amorim’s plans, profiles such as Musah and Loftus-Cheek have not fully convinced. To truly elevate the squad, a midfielder with the right characteristics for Amorim’s pressing and positional game is essential.
Cardinale’s Words: Promise or Reality?
The context cannot be ignored. Gerry Cardinale’s declarations — the desire to win, the vision of a great Milan — stirred genuine excitement. But words must be followed by actions. The owner’s presence at Milanello is a positive sign, but what ultimately matters are the players on the pitch. Smart spending is needed, and above all, smart selling: moving on surplus players to raise funds for new arrivals is the indispensable next step in the weeks ahead.
The hope is that August delivers the breakthrough July failed to provide. Milan has the structure, the manager and a clear playing identity: now the right players are needed to make it a reality.
