Rating AC Milan’s Summer Transfer Window 2020/2021 Part 1

After a fantastic run post Covid break, AC Milan turned their attention to the summer transfer window. Everyone in the club made it evident that this window would be used to improve squad depth and sell/release any players that didn't fit the clubs vision. From start to finish this window was filled with excitement, promise, high hopes and a few disappoints. In this article we will grade the arrivals and departures of the transfers window as well as grade it as a whole. Also for the purpose of this article we will focus on the signings that will impact the first team and not the primavera. For a summary of the arrivals visit here, for a summary of the Milan departures click here.

Arrivals

Pierre Kalulu (RB/CB): Pierre Kalulu signed for Milan many months ago and seemingly got lost in everyones mind throughout the transfer window. However once he showed up on the pitch he has had some eye catching moments. Kalulu seems to be a promising talent and at the age of 20 he still has a lot of room to grow but he will need playing time. As of right now the right back position is stock pilled with players so it might be hard for Kalulu to find some minutes on the pitch. Kalulu was a captain for Lyon’s youth team showing that he was a vital part of their project and stealing a player like that is a safe move. 6.5/10

Simon Kjaer (CB): After the drama with Ralf Rangick it seemed to be a no brainer for Milan to sign Simon Kjaer permanently. The defender has been outstanding for Milan and has really become a leader of the team. At a price of 3.5 million Euros how could Milan not snatch him up. Yes, he is getting up there in age but as of right now he is the best partner for Captain Alessio Romagnoli. 8/10

Alexis Saelemaekers (RW): Hear me out, Saelemaekers isn't the right wing that we wanted but for the price he is a nice rotational piece. As of right now Saelemaekers isn't starting quality and I’m not sure if he ever will be. His work rate is great but his touch and finishing let him down often which could potentially cost Milan matches. This was a nice purchase but it didn't completely solve a need. 6.5/10

Ante Rebic (LW): Like Kjaer, buying Rebic outright was a no brainer. Now the fee for this transfer was not released to the public so we have absolutely no idea what it cost Milan. Some reports suggest that the fee is less than 10 million euros while other suggest that we got him for basically nothing. Rebic had a rough start to the season but turned it on when Pioli and Ibra came into the picture. With Rebic being one of the few players with European experience he should be a key factor for Milan this season. 7.5/10

Brahim Diaz (CAM, LW,RW): So far in the season Brahim Diaz looks like a great addition to the squad. When rumours about signing him came out not many questioned his talent but many questioned Milan’s method of acquiring him. To have such a talent player on a simple loan isn't great in my opinion. Yes, we should be doing anything to get back to Champions League but with a player as talented as Diaz I’d rather want him permanently here than just develop him for Madrid. Now there have been some rumours that Madrid and Milan will discuss a purchase option at a later date. For now it is just a loan but maybe Diaz will fall in love with the club. 6/10 (If Milan end up purchasing him I rate this higher)

Sandro Tonali (CDM): Tonali for me was an unrealistic dream and I really didn't believe it until he signed on the dotted line. Tonali was a player that I’ve wanted for the past 2 years and watching him play against us made me even more convinced that we should be going after him. Making this singing even more sweeter is that fact that we stole him from the grasps on Inter Milan. If Tonali progresses properly he will be absolutely fantastic for Milan. On top of that the figures for the deal aren't out of this world with Tonali coming in on a 10 million Euro loan with 15 million euro option plus 10 million euro bonuses, that right there is great business. 8.5/10

Ciprian Tatarusanu (GK): This isn't a signing that excited many Milan fans but it was a necessary signing. With Asmir Begovic asking for too much money Milan turned to a cheaper option with Tatarusanu. His transfer fee is so minimal and he has Serie A experience. This is a solid depth signing. 6.5/10

Jans Petter Hauge (LW/RW): Like most I had little knowledge about Hauge before our match against Bodo/Glimt. In that match Hauge impressed being the focal point of the Bodo/Glimt attack. After that match Milan sped up their approach to buy him and in a matter of days he as part of the Rossoneri. Many reports suggest that Milan had been following Hauge for some time and this wasn't a purchase based on one performance. Hauge seems very promising as he has the pace and skill to be a good winger in Serie A. At a fee of around 5 million euros this was another great business move by Milan. 7.5/10

Diogo Dalot (RB/LB): This was the last signing of the window for Milan. Dalot is a versatile player as he played right back, left back and even right wing in his career. However, he seems more suited as a right back. This will now add even more competition to that position as Milan now have 4 players competing for that spot. Dalot seems like a fast and technical fullback that blasts in nice crosses. We could very well see him win the starting spot. Again the method of dry loaning players bother many Milan fans but some reports suggested that Manchester United wanted 30 million Euros for the player and other teams like Roma were after him, in that case a loan is better than nothing. 7/10

Keep an eye out for part 2!