AC Milan had 5 transfers in and 6 transfers out. Here are our ratings:
TRANSFERS IN:
Zlatan Ibrahimovic - ST - Free - LA Galaxy
Ibrahimovic was an important acquisition, he adds a goal threat, bring a strong mentality and strengthens the professionalism in the squad. He was signed on a 6 month loan to boost the pursuit of European places. Since his arrival, Milan are unbeaten and have significantly improved in the attacking phases. 8/10
Simon Kjaer - CB - Loan with option to buy - Sevilla
Kjaer is a replacement for Caldara and is a bit of wild card. The Denmark captain has demonstrated leadership and ferocity in his first few games but also has some glaring flaws such as his lack of pace and his heavy footed-ness. He has helped Romagnoli get at ease and hopefully can solidify the back line until the summer. 7.5/10
Asmir Begovic - GK - Loan - Bournemouth
Begovic came in to cover Donnarumma after Reina left on loan. The former Chelsea goalkeeper is not likely to see much of the pitch but is about 2.5 million cheaper than Reina for sitting on the bench. He can help mentor Donnarumma and help him grow further so I see this as a positive. 5/10
Alexis Saelemaekers - RM - Loan with option to buy - Anderlecht
Saelemaekers came in as a direct replacement for Suso but there is much more to his acquisition than that. He has 6 months to prove that he can fight for a spot with the Rossoneri but that spot can be the right midfield, right winger spot or even right back. The player is incredibly versatile and could be a utility player for the future. 7.5/10
Diego Laxalt - LB - Recalled from loan - Torino
Laxalt was recalled from his loan at Torino to cover for the outgoing Rodriguez. The left back was rather defensively vulnerable all of last year and he has not been able to make an impact at Torino thus far. He will be able to cover for Hernandez but now Milan have two offensively minded left wing backs who are not solid defensively. To be honest, Calabria will likely cover at left back before Laxalt gets the nod. 5/10
TRANSFERS OUT:
Pepe Reina - GK - Loan - Aston Villa
Reina departed Milan because he did not feel like a priority in the project and wanted to play more. He also represented a significant wage off the books considering he only played two games in the league. The keeper did not seem happy to warm the bench thus the move is a win-win. 8/10
Fabio Borini - LW - Mutual Termination - Hellas Verona
Borini mutually terminated his contract with Milan to join Hellas Verona. He was a loyal servant of the club for his time here and will be missed for his work rate and humility. Having a utility player is always important as it adds a dimension of depth when the squad is running thin. Another huge wage off the books but permanently. 8/10
Mattia Caldara - CB - Loan with option to buy - Atalanta
The Caldara move was a shock but it seems the player could not deal with the pressure at Milan and did not have the confidence of the management. The deal will represent a huge loss for Milan given his significant transfer fee and the tiny buyout clause attached to his Atalanta loan. The player was not contributing and his replacement is settling well thus it isn’t as bitter of a pill to swallow anymore. 6/10
Suso - RW - Loan with option to buy - Sevilla
Suso finally departed the club after 5 years years of ups and downs. The player was a big part of the squad but seems to have run his course in Italy. The winger will always be remembered as key player of the banter era and his sale represents a pure capital gain which is needed in this rough financial times. 8/10
Krzysztof Piatek - ST - Permanent Transfer - Hertha Berlin
Piatek was miraculously sold this window. Somehow the Poland international has suitors despite his limited skill set and terrible form over the past couple of months. Milan did well to sell at a fair price and replaced him with Ibrahimovic hence this was overall a good deal. Piatek leaving opens up space for Leao to take centre stage and develop under Zlatan. 9/10
Ricardo Rodriguez - LB - Loan - PSV Eindhoven
Rodriguez was unhappy at Milan given his desie to play an important role for his national team at the Euro this summer. He was sitting on the bench behind Hernandez who had all guns blazing. The move is good for Milan as they clear wages again but the disappointing bit is his low buyout clause (if any) given how much Milan spent just two years ago considering he is still a top left back. 7/10
OVERALL RATING
The January transfer window was clearly about trimming the squad and the wages above all. Milan’s management focused on getting rid of the dead weight who were earning millions to sit on the bench. The management did not do as well to cover the gaps opened up by outgoing players. The striker position in particular is criminally thin as Ante Rebic is the only depth player at the moment. This may be a little worrying given Milan hope to finish in 4th place or at least 5-6th. On a positive note, this is the first window in forever where Milan have been able to sell and loan out players as opposed to running down expensive contracts. The clean up gives Milan a strong core to build upon and flexibility with their budget. 7/10
Poll
Rate AC Milan's January Transfer Window
This poll is closed
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19%
A
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39%
B
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28%
C
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4%
D
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7%
E