AC Milan underwent a dramatic squad transformation in summer 2025, combining high-profile arrivals with significant departures in Massimiliano Allegri's revolutionary rebuild. The acquisitions of Christopher Nkunku and veteran Luka Modrić headlined ambitious business, while painful sales of Theo Hernández and Tijjani Reijnders generated crucial funds. Here's every transfer graded and analyzed.
Transfer Window Summary
Players In: 11 signings focusing on experience and tactical versatility
Players Out: 19 departures including star players and squad depth
Net Spend: Balanced through major sales funding new acquisitions
Overall Grade: B - Ambitious rebuild with mixed results
Players In - Transfer Grades
Christopher Nkunku
Grade: AFrom: Chelsea (undisclosed fee)
Excellent attacking addition bringing pace, creativity, and Premier League experience. Nkunku's versatility across front line positions provides tactical flexibility while his goal-scoring record addresses Milan's attacking concerns. Proven quality at highest level with immediate impact potential.
Luka Modrić
Grade: B+From: Real Madrid (free transfer)
Shrewd free transfer bringing world-class experience and leadership. Modrić's passing ability and tactical intelligence offer short-term solution for midfield creativity. Age concerns balanced by Champions League pedigree and mentorship value for younger players.
Samuele Ricci
Grade: A-From: Torino (undisclosed fee)
Outstanding Italian midfielder addition with Serie A experience and international potential. Ricci's technical ability and work rate perfectly suit Allegri's tactical requirements. Excellent long-term investment in domestic talent with immediate impact capability.
Adrien Rabiot
Grade: BFrom: Marseille (undisclosed fee)
Solid midfield reinforcement bringing Ligue 1 experience and physical presence. Rabiot's aerial ability and passing range provide tactical options, though consistency questions remain. Reasonable addition for squad depth and domestic competition.
Pervis Estupiñán
Grade: BFrom: Brighton (undisclosed fee)
Promising left-back addition with Premier League experience and attacking threat. Estupiñán's pace and crossing ability suit modern full-back requirements. Solid replacement option following Theo Hernández departure.
Players Out - Departure Analysis
Major Sales
- Theo Hernández (Al-Hilal, undisclosed): Painful departure of star left-back for Saudi riches. Massive financial windfall but loses world-class quality.
- Tijjani Reijnders (Man City, undisclosed): Dutch midfielder's Premier League move generates funds but weakens squad significantly.
- Malick Thiaw (Newcastle, undisclosed): German defender's departure creates defensive gap while providing transfer income.
Squad Restructuring
- Álvaro Morata (Como, loan): Veteran striker seeks regular minutes away from Milan pressure.
- Yunus Musah (Atalanta, loan): American midfielder's domestic loan provides development opportunity.
- Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham, loan): Winger returns to Premier League for consistent playing time.
Allegri's Revolution Assessment
Milan's transfer strategy reflects Allegri's tactical preferences and financial necessities, prioritizing experience and versatility over youth development. Nkunku and Modrić signings demonstrate ambition despite budget constraints from Financial Fair Play considerations.
The painful sale of Theo Hernández represents short-term financial gain versus long-term competitive loss. Saudi money provides immediate relief but weakens squad quality significantly, requiring careful replacement strategy through remaining signings.
Multiple loan departures create uncertainty around squad planning while generating modest savings. Allegri's challenge involves integrating new signings quickly while maintaining tactical cohesion despite significant personnel changes.
Frequently Asked Questions About AC Milan Transfer Window 2025
Was selling Theo Hernández the right decision?
Financially necessary but tactically painful, Theo's Saudi sale provides immediate funds while losing world-class left-back quality. Milan's Financial Fair Play constraints forced difficult decision despite sporting impact. Footbodds analyzes Saudi transfer impact on European clubs and replacement strategies.
How does Nkunku's arrival change Milan's attack?
Nkunku brings pace, creativity, and proven goal-scoring ability to revitalize Milan's attacking play. His versatility across front positions provides tactical flexibility under Allegri's system. Premier League experience aids quick Serie A adaptation. Check Footbodds for detailed attacking player impact analysis and tactical fit assessments.
Was signing 39-year-old Modrić wise?
Modrić's experience and leadership provide immediate midfield quality despite age concerns. His passing range and tactical intelligence offer short-term solution while mentoring younger players. Free transfer structure minimizes risk while maximizing potential reward. Footbodds evaluates veteran signing strategies and their success rates.
What's Milan's overall transfer window grade?
B grade reflects necessary but painful rebuild balancing financial constraints with competitive ambitions. Quality additions like Nkunku offset by significant departures including Theo. Squad transformation creates uncertainty but addresses immediate needs. Visit Footbodds for comprehensive Serie A transfer window analysis and club-by-club evaluation.
How do these changes affect Milan's Champions League hopes?
Squad overhaul creates both opportunities and risks for European qualification. Nkunku and Ricci additions improve quality, while major departures weaken stability. Success depends on quick integration and tactical adaptation under Allegri. Footbodds provides comprehensive Champions League qualification odds and Milan's prospects analysis.