Loftus-Cheek and Fofana: The Two Midfielders Heading for the Exit
AC Milan’s midfield is set for a major overhaul this summer. According to the latest reports, the two most likely departures from Milanello at the end of the season are Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Youssouf Fofana. Head coach Massimiliano Allegri has a clear vision of the type of midfielders he wants for his tactical project, and the club is ready to invest in at least a couple of significant signings in the engine room.
Loftus-Cheek: Turned Down the Premier League in January
The English midfielder already had concrete opportunities to leave Milan during the January transfer window. Several offers, including some from the Premier League, were presented to the player, but the former Chelsea man chose to stay in red and black. A decision that surprised many observers, given his natural ties to English football. However, the situation could change dramatically in the summer.
At the start of the season, Allegri publicly stated in a press conference that he expected Loftus-Cheek and Fofana to combine for around 15 goals. Reality told a very different story: both scored far fewer than anticipated, falling short of expectations in front of goal — a fact that inevitably weighs on the management’s summer planning.
Fofana: €30 Million Price Tag and Tactical Concerns
The French midfielder has also received offers, with enquiries arriving from Turkey, all of which were promptly turned down. To let Fofana go, Milan are demanding approximately €30 million, the figure needed to secure a capital gain on the €25 million invested to sign him from AS Monaco.
An intriguing detail emerged from a recent interview with Fofana himself, in which the Frenchman hinted that he would feel more comfortable in a two-man midfield rather than a more crowded five-man setup. A statement that could foreshadow his intentions if Milan’s formation does not evolve in the coming months.
Milan’s Summer: A Midfield Revolution?
The potential sales of Loftus-Cheek and Fofana would open significant room for new arrivals. The Rossoneri management, led by Giorgio Furlani and Geoffrey Moncada, is already working to identify profiles that match Allegri’s footballing philosophy. One thing seems certain: Milan will not sell their players on the cheap and will wait for adequate offers before finalising any deal. The goal is to protect the club’s assets while building an even more competitive midfield for next season.
