Five players who could leave AC Milan this summer

Tom Weber

• 12 Aug 2024 14:37 BST
• 4 min read

AC Milan are set for a massive summer.

Stefano Pioli has departed the club to replaced by Paulo Fonseca as coach. Meanwhile, Milan are set to sign a number of new players, in partocular a central defender, central midfielder, a centre forward and a right back.

However, given that the Rossoneri are not blessed with boundless wealth, the arrival of new players could come at the cost of other players.

Several of the Serie A giants' key players are being linked with a move away, so here are five players who could leave AC Milan this summer.

READ MORE: Five players who could join AC Milan this summer

Rafael Leao (24, winger)

One of Milan's undisputed star players, speculation surrounding the future of scintillating winger Rafael Leao rarely subsides. Despite signing a fresh contract only last year, the Portuguese is once again being heavily linked with an exit.

The 25-year-old is tied down until 2028 and reportedly has a release clause worth a whopping €175 million. Man Utd, Chelsea and PSG are said to be keen on him.

It is believed in Italy that Rafa Leao is the likeliest of Milan's big stars to stay this summer, but given his release clause nothing can be ruled out.

Theo Hernandez (26, left-back)

One of the best left-backs in Europe on his day, Hernandez has been the subject of speculation in recent weeks. The Frenchman is reportedly being eyed by Bayern Munich as a replacement for the potentially Real Madrid-bound Alphonso Davies.

Bayern, of course, previously had Hernandez's brother Lucas on their books. If Davies ends up leaving, it is expected that the German giants will pursue the 26-year-old, who is still under contract at the San Siro until 2026.

Mike Maignan (28, goalkeeper)

Mike Maignan is similar to Rafael Leao in that there is unfailingly speculation surrounding his future every transfer window. Linked with the likes of Chelsea and Man Utd in the past, it is once again being claimed that the Frenchman is the subject of interest from England.

The transfer rumours have been fuelled by Maignan being in a contract stalemate with Milan for some time, but given that he is still tied down until 2026, the Rossoneri won't have to worry about losing him for nothing just yet. Nevertheless, this impasse means that the speculation will only continue unabated.

Malick Thiaw, (23, defender)

Malick Thiaw has blossomed into a reliable defender for Milan since joining them two years ago from German side Schalke, having made 21 league appearances for the club last season.

The German international can also fill in at right back and has impressed with his size, pace and ability on the ball, however injuries have sometimes had the better of him during his time in Italy.

Thiaw has been heavily linked with a move to Newcastle this summer and, while the 23-year-old is keen to remain at Milan, a deal for around €35m could still be possible before the end of the window.

Luka Jovic, (26, striker)

Luka Jovic only signed a one-year deal at Milan last summer after joining the club on a free transfer to be a backup striker under Pioli.

The Serbian proved effective in his 23 appearances, scoring six times, and prompting Milan to offer him a new one-year deal this summer.

However, with the arrival of Alvaro Morata, Jovic's minutes will be reduced and the former Real Madrid forward may still be moved on if other targets can be acquired.