Modric Joins the Party as Milan Reinforce Squad for Glory
AC Milan have had an active summer in the transfer market, bringing in a mix of experienced stars and exciting young talent. The biggest signing of the window is France international Christopher Nkunku. The forward joins from Chelsea after scoring 18 goals in 62 games and signs a five-year deal with the Rossoneri. Nkunku’s pace, technique, and versatility are expected to give Milan more firepower in attack. Another key arrival is Swiss midfielder Ardon Jashari, last season’s player of the year in Belgium’s Pro League, who has also signed a five-year contract. Samuele Ricci, the 23-year-old Italian midfielder from Torino, strengthens the center of the pitch on a four-year deal with an option for a fifth.
The defense has been reinforced with several additions. Ecuadorian left-back Pervis Estupinan arrives from Brighton and will wear the No.2 shirt. Belgian centre-back Koni De Winter, formerly of Juventus, joins Milan on a five-year contract after impressive performances at Genoa. Switzerland Under-21 international Zachary Athekame signs as a right-back, bringing Champions League experience from his time with Young Boys. Teenage German centre-back David Odogu also joins from Wolfsburg, while veteran goalkeeper Pietro Terracciano, who will wear the No.1 shirt, arrives from Fiorentina on a one-year deal with the option to extend.
One of the most talked-about signings is 39-year-old Luka Modric, who joins Milan from Real Madrid. With six Champions League titles and a vast trophy haul, Modric brings unparalleled experience to the midfield. His presence is expected to help guide Milan’s younger players while adding class to their play. These signings reflect Milan’s ambition to compete for Serie A and make a strong impact in Europe this season.
Several departures have reshaped the squad. Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders moves to Manchester City for £46.6 million, while German defender Malick Thiaw leaves for Newcastle United. French left-back Théo Hernandez joins Al-Hilal after a decade at Milan, and Swiss winger Noah Okafor signs with Leeds United. Italian centre-back Pierre Kalulu completes a permanent move to Juventus, while former Tottenham right-back Emerson Royal returns to Brazil with Flamengo. Argentina-born Marco Pellegrino leaves for Boca Juniors, and Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze joins Fulham on loan.
Milan have also sent several players out on loan to gain experience. American midfielder Yunus Musah joins Atalanta, Spanish defender Álex Jiménez goes to Bournemouth, and Argentine striker Joaquín Correa moves to Botafogo. Italy-based loans include Alessandro Florenzi retiring, Filippo Terracciano and Warren Bondo joining Cremonese, and Tommaso Pobega returning to Bologna. Other young talents, including Samuele Pisati, Francesco Camarda, Adam Bakoune, and Kevin Zeroli, have been sent to lower-tier clubs to continue their development.
This summer has completely reshaped AC Milan’s squad. The arrivals of Nkunku, Jashari, Ricci, Estupinan, De Winter, Athekame, Odogu, Terracciano, and Modric provide a mix of youth, experience, and versatility. At the same time, the departure of key players like Reijnders, Thiaw, Okafor, and Kalulu will test the team’s depth. Fans will be eager to see how Stefano Pioli integrates the new signings and whether Milan can challenge for Serie A glory and make a mark in Europe. With this new-look squad, San Siro is ready for an exciting season.
