GdS: Nkunku the surprise as Amorim and Milan exclude departing players entirely
AC Milan have put their foot down on the departing front as some players have been excluded from training and the upcoming games, awaiting transfers elsewhere.
The pre-season is about to come to an end for Milan, who will face Man Utd in their final friendly tomorrow afternoon. Then, it will be time to start preparations for the season opener against Torino next week, but the squad is far from complete.
As highlighted by Gazzetta dello Sport this morning (see featured image), Milanello is a bit like MasterChef at the moment. Ruben Amorim is sending some players to the balcony, while forcing others to undergo pressure tests. If not good enough, the apron (shirt) is snatched.
Indeed, the management and Amorim are currently taking stock of the squad that will be called up for Milan-Torino in just over a week. To speed up the process, Gerry Cardinale arrived at the training ground yesterday for a meeting with the coach, even if time is starting to run out.
Surprising exit list
Just like the first day of the pre-season, Cardinale arrived at Milanello by helicopter. In addition to clarifying that Milan need a centre-back, a full-back, and an attacking midfielder, Amorim also submitted the list of players who are no longer part of the project.
There are four names, and three were already known: Fikayo Tomori, Youssouf Fofana, and David Odogu. The fourth is a big surprise because the name is Christopher Nkunku, a player who tactically seemed tailor-made for the Portuguese coach’s 3-4-2-1 formation.
Until now, the Frenchman had never been considered a potential departure. However, the No.18’s adventure with the Rossoneri is destined to end here: if no club is willing to meet the demand for a permanent move (€28m), then he will leave on loan.
So, what is the reason for this rejection? Clearly, Christo hasn’t convinced the coach in terms of his movement in games, and probably not even in training.
Leao dilemma grows
At first glance, the natural consequence of Nkunku’s departure would be Rafael Leao staying, but the situation isn’t that simple. As the pink newspaper continues, nothing has changed on the No.10 front, with no decision made in either direction.
He could stay, he could leave, nothing is definitive. In fact, Cardinale will return to Milanello next week to talk to some of the key players in the team. These include Mike Maignan, Adrien Rabiot, and, of course, Leao.
In the meantime, however, Leao has been sidelined with a muscle strain. The Portuguese will miss the friendly against Manchester United and is doubtful for his debut against Torino.
Clear signals sent
Amorim and the club have decided that Nkunku, Tomori, Fofana, and Odogu won’t be called up for the upcoming games. Furthermore, since yesterday, the four have been training separately and not with their teammates.
Pervis Estupinan, Santiago Gimenez, and Filippo Terracciano are also on the list of possible departures, but the same measures haven’t been taken for them.
Meanwhile, speaking of departures, one that took place last year has put a smile on Milan’s face: Tijjani Reijnders is on the verge of moving to Al-Qadsiah, and since he would leave before 2030, all of the Rossoneri’s bonuses would be paid out (as per the contract).
That’s a boost of €14m, bringing the total transfer fee close to €70m for the midfielder. Very good business, it must be said.
