AC Milan are more than a decade away from their last Serie A title, but over the past 18 months, the Rossoneri seem to have finally returned to the pinnacle of Italian football. They led in the Serie A rankings in the first half of last season, albeit with a weak edge. Meanwhile, in the 2021-2022 season, they are in a good position to challenge Inter's league title. However, in order to maintain their challenge, they need to make some adjustments in January. This will also lead to the possible departure of some players. Here, we take a look at AC Milan players who may leave in the winter transfer window.
Kathy
AC Milan face serious risk of losing another key first-team player in vain in the summer of 2022. Over the past summer, the Rossoneri have had to watch Donnarumma and Charhanoglu join Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan on a free transfer basis, respectively. Milan are understood to have offered Casey a new contract worth between €6 million and €6.5 million a year, and their bids are limited to that. But Casey asked for at least 8 million euros. So, instead of losing him in vain in the summer, Milan could decide to exchange it for cash in the January window – especially considering that Casey's form this season has been below his average. Many European giants are interested in the Ivorians, including Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain.
Castillejo
Among AC Milan fans, Castilejo is a very unpopular player who often booed the Spaniard. Milan tried to sell Castilejo last summer, selling him across Europe, but the winger turned down numerous offers. The Rossoneri responded by removing the former Villarreal player from their Champions League squad. He has only made a few appearances in Serie A this season and will be sold again in January.
Little Conte
Conte is another Milan player who has been completely excluded from the first team this season. Although the Rossoneri have been in injury crisis for most of the season, Conte has not made a single appearance. Conte's agent Mario Gifredi has confirmed the right-back will leave in January but ruled out a move to Genoa.
Daniel Maldini
As the heir to the legendary surname of football, the current Milan director Paolo Maldini and the grandson of Italian football star Cesar Maldini, Daniel Maldini's football genes are undoubtedly very strong. Daniel, 20, has been a key member of the first team this season, making eight appearances and even scoring a goal against Spezia. However, most of them came off the bench and going out on loan in January to play more regular games could be good for the offensive midfielder.
Romanioli
After Kyard was reimbursed for an injury season, Romagnoli is unlikely to leave Milan in January. The Rossoneri may already be struggling to find a new centre-back in the transfer market, so it's almost impossible to sign two centre-backs at the same time in the winter window. Before Kyal's recent injury, Romagnoli was seen as likely to be dropped at the end of the season when his contract expired, while Milan, like Casey, preferred to make some money from him. However, if Milan's scouts have a good performance, it is not entirely impossible for them to sign two new young players and release Romagnoli.