Rafael Leao is not the only AC Milan star considering an exit, as several key players from the Rossoneri squad are reportedly planning departures ahead of the next season.
This could mark a major exodus for the Italian giants, especially after failing to qualify for the Champions League and amid ongoing turmoil in club management.
The first to openly declare his intentions was Rafael Leao. After seven years in Milan, the Portuguese forward admitted he is seeking a change of environment and is exploring opportunities in other leagues.
Leao’s statement came after a challenging season, marked by a deteriorating relationship with fans, as he was frequently criticised and made a scapegoat for the club’s struggles. Following these tensions, club owner Gerry Cardinale reportedly placed him on the transfer list, with Leao later responding with strong words of his own.
The 25-year-old forward is already looking abroad, but Milan are demanding a minimum of €50 million for his transfer. So far, interest has come from Turkey, with Galatasaray and Fenerbahce leading the race, both offering around €10 million net per year. However, Leao is said to be holding out for a move to the English Premier League, his dream destination, and hopes to use the upcoming World Cup as a platform to attract attention from English clubs. A move to Saudi Arabia appears unlikely, while clubs in Spain, particularly Barcelona, continue to monitor his situation.
Other Players Considering Their Future
Leao is not alone in contemplating a departure. Luka Modric’s future also remains uncertain. The Croatian midfielder is said to be deeply disappointed with how the season ended and is re-evaluating his options. His contract expires at the end of June, and while he had previously been open to staying under Massimiliano Allegri, the managerial changes have left his position unclear. With no Champions League football and no coach strongly pushing for his stay, Modric appears to be considering his next move despite efforts from Zlatan Ibrahimovic to convince him otherwise.
Adrien Rabiot, meanwhile, is reportedly preparing to leave after just one season. Unlike Modric, the French midfielder still has a contract, and Milan will only consider letting him go for offers starting at €15 million. Rumours suggest he could reunite with Allegri at Napoli.
Goalkeeper Mike Maignan’s future is also uncertain. The French international recently renewed his contract, believing it signalled a fresh start under Allegri. However, with the coach’s departure, Maignan is now exploring opportunities elsewhere in Europe. Although leaving won’t be easy due to his long-term deal and a substantial €5 million net annual salary, clubs across the continent are expected to show interest.
AC Milan are also expected to evaluate other players for potential sales to balance the financial books after two consecutive years without Champions League revenue. Several surplus players will likely be placed on the transfer list as the club aims to stabilise its budget. Significant restructuring work awaits at Casa Milan once the new management structure is finalised.
While a number of Milan players are set to leave this summer, the club intends to retain several core members as the foundation of their future project. Among them is Serbian defender Strahinja Pavlovic, who has attracted interest from England but is considered untouchable by the Rossoneri. Cardinale reportedly holds Pavlovic in high regard as one of the team’s standout performers this season.
Other key players Milan plan to keep include captain Mike Maignan, Ardon Jashari, Davide Bartesaghi, Alexis Saelemaekers, and Christian Pulisic, all viewed as central figures for the club’s next era.
Following Massimiliano Allegri’s dismissal, AC Milan are now exploring potential replacements, with Arne Slot emerging as a strong candidate after his recent departure from Liverpool.
The coming week will be crucial for Milan’s decision-making as the club seeks to define its future direction. Meetings are scheduled with Oliver Glasner and Ralf Rangnick, who are currently leading candidates for the roles of head coach and technical director respectively. Glasner, who recently guided Crystal Palace to the UEFA Conference League title and collected three trophies over the past year, is considered a compelling option if Rangnick agrees to oversee the broader project.
A meeting between Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Massimo Calvelli, and Glasner is set for Tuesday to discuss plans, salary terms, and contract details. Meanwhile, Matthias Jaissle of Al-Ahli remains a contender, though his €10 million net salary poses a potential obstacle, as the Saudi club are reluctant to part with the 38-year-old German coach.
The path to Mauricio Pochettino is also complicated, making Slot a more feasible target. Reports suggest talks between Rangnick and the Austrian Football Federation are imminent, as Milan’s interest in him intensifies. Rangnick, currently leading Austria to the World Cup, is expected to be unavailable for at least a month, as the team’s final group match is scheduled for June 28. Ibrahimovic is also set to travel to the United States for television commitments, leaving a temporary leadership gap at the club.
With time running short, Milan are racing to finalise their management structure. After Slot’s dismissal at Liverpool, French sources claim that Ibrahimovic has already established contact with the former Feyenoord coach, with whom he previously won a league title. Slot’s fifth-place finish last season mirrored Milan’s own struggles at home, as Liverpool endured a disappointing campaign marred by internal conflicts, including disputes with Mohamed Salah and other key players.
Despite heavy spending in the previous summer transfer window, Liverpool underperformed, failing to defend their title or progress beyond the Champions League quarter-finals. Given these circumstances, Slot is now seeking a new challenge, possibly abroad. His current salary stands at €8 million per season plus bonuses, and while Milan are interested, Slot reportedly wants a clear understanding of the new project under Ibrahimovic and Cardinale before making a decision.
