Donnarumma in, Calhanoglu out: The Milan players who could leave this summer

Emmet Gates

• Updated: 17 May 2021 16:18 BST
• 4 min read

Milan are seemingly on the verge of making it back into the Champions League for the first time in seven years.

After years of underachieving and lumbering from one internal crisis to another, the club is finally heading in the correct direction under the guidance of coach Stefano Pioli and club director Paolo Maldini.

However this summer will be a crunch one for the club, with several key players running out of contract at the end of June, discussions have taken place over renewals for many of their standout performers, but as of yet they are unable to tie anyone down to an extension.

READ MORE: Zlatan Ibrahimovic signs new one-year deal with Milan

Securing Champions League football will be vital in their summer transfer budget, so who will leave the club?

Goalkeepers

Milan’s biggest concern going into the summer transfer window is the current standoff with Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Donnarumma’s contract expires at the end of the season, and talks over a renewal have dragged on for months. It’s believed that the 22-year-old is waiting to see if Milan cement a top four finish before signing a contract extension with the club.

It’s been reported that his agent, Mino Raiola, is demanding Milan pay Donnarumma €12million a season in wages, whilst the Rossoneri’s nearest office is believed to be €8m plus bonuses.

Donnarumma has already made over 200 appearances for the club, and is viewed as one of the cornerstones of this current side, so it’s imperative that the club tie him down for the foreseeable future.

Defenders

Alessio Romagnoli could be on the way out of the club. The defender, like some many other Milan players, is in talks over a renewal.

It’s been reported that Romagnoli is demanding €6m a season to remain at san Siro. However, he has lost his place in the side in recent times to new signing Fikayo Tomori, and was heavily exposed in the Derby della Madonnina against Inter.

Milan seem hesitant to pay Romagnoli what he is seeking in light of his poor performances, and he has been touted in a player swap with Juventus, with Federico Bernardeschi going the other way.

Right-back Diogo Dalot, on loan from Man Utd, won’t be signed on a permanent basis.

Midfielders

Midfield is the area where we could see big changes for next season.

Hakan Calhanoglu is another player in talks with the club over extending his contract, with it due to run out in a couple of months time.

The Turkey international’s form has fluctuated this season, and talks have reportedly stalled for the time being. However like Donnarumma, Calhanoglu may just be waiting until Milan secure Champions League football before signing on the dotted line.

Back up players such as Rade Krunic and Samu Castillejo could leave the club. Brahim Diaz, on loan from Real Madrid, is expected to be returned to sender following an up-and-down season in Italy.

Soualiho Meite, on loan from Torino, will also likely be returned to sender following a disappointing loan spell.

Attackers

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is due to sign a one-year extension to remain at San Siro into his 40th birthday.

Mario Mandzukic has hardly kicked a ball since signing in the January transfer window. The Croatian has spent most of his time on the treatment table, and isn’t expected to remain at the club, leaving this summer.

Rafael Leao and Ante Rebic will also remain at the club. Alexis Saelemaekers could be placed on the market after an inconsistent season for the Rossoneri.

Jens-Petter Hauge could leave the club on loan in order to gain experience, as is the Italian way.

The same could also be applied to Daniel Maldini, son of club legend Paolo.