AC Milan's planned exodus: De Ketelaere, Messias, Origi, and how many more could be sold this summer?
AC Milan's summer transfer window has been a success so far, with the 2021/22 Serie A champions finally and belatedly improving on the squad working under Stefano Pioli's instructions at the Stadio San Siro. With time remaining, fans are already pleased with what they've seen.
Milan were hit with a fine for not following UEFA's financial regulations in the 2022/23 season, and there was an understanding that things would have to change in Lombardia this summer. Although Sandro Tonali joined Saudi Arabia-funded Newcastle United for a fee in the region of €55 million will help their financial situation, the club will be keen to stay out of trouble again with UEFA.
La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Milan are looking to offload another 10 or so players during the 2023 transfer window, but who are they?
Which players are AC Milan looking to sell this summer?
Fode Ballo-Toure
Fode Ballo-Toure's time with AC Milan appears to be up. With no hope of displacing Theo Hernandez and his development stunting, he hasn't impressed Pioli or those higher up at the club.
This is only heightened by the left-back's omission from the club's pre-season tour of the United States. His departure will likely lead to the signing of another left-back option.
Charles De Ketelaere
AC Milan's big bet of 2022 did not pay off and it is widely believed in Italy that they could already cut their losses with the Belgian.
There are several suitors for Charles De Ketelaere, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, who report that there are several Premier League clubs considering a move. Eredivisie champions PSV Eindhoven are also keen.
If the right offer is made to Milan, then the parties will separate, with neither committed to the idea of continuing together.
Mattia Caldara
Unfortunately for both Mattia Caldara and Milan, things haven't gone as hoped when he joined the club, though there is an understanding that injuries haven't allowed the centre-back to fulfill his potential.
His last two loan deals, at Spezia and Venezia respectfully, each ended in relegation. Now, the writing is on the wall for the 29-year-old.
Yacine Adli
The Yacine Adli situation is a puzzling one. A year ago the Frenchman seemed set to challenge for a place in Milan's first team. However, after only six appearances (starting once), he spent the second half of last season on loan at Girondins de Bordeaux.
Things may yet change for the 23-year-old, but a loan is the most likely scenario for him this summer.
Junior Messias
The arrivals of Christian Pulisic and Samuel Chukwueze leave Milan overbooked on the right, and Junior Messias is expected to be shown the exit door. Whilst the former Crotone man hasn't done badly, at 32 years old he has no future at the club.
Devis Vasquez and Andreas Jungdal
After the arrival of Marco Sportiello from Atalanta, Milan's goalkeeping department looks solidified. As such, it means that two will be given a chance to depart during the upcoming months.
Firstly, Devis Vasquez, the Colombian shot-stopper arrived at Milan during the January 2023 window for a fee of €500,000. At 25 years old, and with another two seasons left on his deal, Milan will look to find suitors, given there won't be chances for him during the year.
Andreas Jungdal has been with Milan since 2019. Though he hasn't made any senior appearances for the Rossoneri, there is a lot of belief within the club that the young Dane can go far, and a loan is seen as the right move ahead of 2023/24.
Divock Origi
The past 12 months of Divock Origi's career have not gone as planned. Scoring just twice in 36 appearances for the Rossoneri, little has gone right since he left Merseyside for Milan.
Having been left out of the squad for the US tour, Origi and his representatives will now look for his next move. Finding a buyer won't be easy, but Turkey appears to be his most likely next step.
Marko Lazetic
Marko Lazetic has been with the Rossoneri since January 2022, and having already been shipped out on loan in January 2023 it seems another temporary move awaits for the 2023/24 season.