AC Milan is one of the most famous football clubs in the world and has an incredible history of celebrated footballers including the legendary Franco Baresi and the timeless Paolo Maldini.
However, not every player can stay with the Rossoneri for many years. Sometimes the chance to play in a foreign league or the club’s financial needs take priority and a player must move on to pastures new.
Milan have sold some promising young names over the last few years, and many Milan fans may want to keep tracks of their fortunes. If you’re one of them, or simply just a curious reader, here are how some notable ex-Milan pros are faring today.
Sandro Tonali
When it comes to debuts, they don’t come much better than Sandro Tonali’s for Newcastle. The defensive midfield appeared out of nowhere six minutes into their season opener vs Aston Villa and volleyed in a dramatic goal to open the scoring.
The 23-year-old raised some eyebrows when he moved to the North East of England but it looks like the move might make sense for both him and Milan. Newcastle appear destined to challenge for honours while are reported to have received 64 millions Euros for his services – money they can invest in the squad as they mount a Serie A title challenge.
Tonali took a pay cut to earn his boyhood dream move to the San Siro in 2020, so Rossineri fans won’t begrudge a move for bigger bucks. Besides, who knows, they may find the Milan fan back in red and white later on in his career.
Lucas Paqueta
Lucas Paqueta has certainly had mixed fortunes since leaving Milan for West Ham. He enjoyed a successful first season in London, becoming an important cog in the Hammer’s midfield and helping them win their first-ever piece of European silverware by setting up Jarrod Bowen for the last-minute winner.
But the 2023-24 season started off huge controversy for the 25-year-old. Reports emerged that the Brazilian had allegedly agreed to deliberately get a yellow card after several punters placed huge amounts of money on him to do so back in Brazil. Football’s betting rules prohibit betting behavior: aside from playing lottery activities or casino games, players are banned from placing sports bets or, of course, engaging in play that influences a betting outcome.
The punishment for Paqueta is could well see the midfielder miss many games for West Ham as the game’s authorities bid to stamp out this practice.
Franck Kessie
Franck Kessie departed AC Milan last season on a free transfer following a three-year tenure, shifting the spotlight to his role in the Barcelona midfield.
Adjusting to Xavi’s team posed challenges. In an interview, Kessie highlighted diverse playing styles, stating that the approach significantly differs between the two clubs. However, it didn’t stop him from playing regularly as his team won their first league title since 2019.
In a less understandable move (football-wise), Kessie moved to Saudi Arabia this summer. While the midfielder will earn an obscene amount of money, his playing career may take a downturn as a result.
Suso
Suso joined Milan in January 2015 for a mere pittance after failing to nail down a spot in Liverpool’s first team.
After excelling out on loan at Genoa, the youngster seized his opportunity with Milan, becoming an integral part of the team for the next three years. Yet, it soon went sour.
Sevilla swooped for the attacker in 2020 and he helped them to a famous Europa league triumph by netting in the semi-final vs Manchester United. However, since that highlight, Suso’s impact has been underwhelming.
He has lost his place in the Andalusian side’s first XI and has found the net just six times in the three years since his famous goal.
These stats perhaps show that Milan’s decision to part ways might have been a smart one.
Krzysztof Piatek
For one short glorious period, Krzysztof Piatek ignited awe across European football as a red-hot striker, unsettling Serie A defences. Departing Poland, he landed at Genoa in 2018, netting 13 goals in a mere half-season, prompting a swift transition to Milan that January.
However, Piatek’s prowess faded as his time at the San Siro went on, with him netting a meagre four goals in 18 games. This slump led to a January transfer to Hertha Berlin for a €24 million permanent deal, but he has since failed to recapture his spectacular form after being shipped out on loan to Salertina and Fiorentina.
Image from: unsplash.com
