Milan have signed a new signing ahead of the January transfer window, but Massimiliano Allegri’s side still have pressing matters to deal with in the coming weeks. Here’s a look at what the Rossoneri need in January.
Allegri already has his new striker
Milan are expected to formally complete the signing of Nicolas Forkruger on loan once the January transfer window opens, with the option to buy from West Ham United.
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The 32-year-old, who arrived in Italy before Christmas, was unwell in Milan on December 23 and began training with his new teammates on December 24. He is likely to go straight into Allegri’s squad for the match against Cagliari on the evening of January 2 (the same day the transfer window opens).
Raphael Leao (left) and Nikolaas Forkruger (right) train in Milan on December 29, 2025. (Picture from www.acmilan.com)
There are reports that Milan will not pay a loan fee to sign Fulkrug from West Ham United, and their purchase option will be between 11 million and 13 million euros.
The Rossoneri have been on the lookout for a new forward to join their squad for weeks. Allegri tends to line up in a 3-5-2 formation at San Siro. Santiago Jimenez is currently out due to injury and is the only “traditional” No. 9 player in the team. Christopher Nkunku was signed in the summer but is seen more as a second striker. Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao are also regulars at center this season.
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Maignan is Milan’s priority
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – JANUARY 6: AC Milan’s Mike Maignan celebrates with the Italian Super Cup trophy after winning the Italian Super Cup final match between Inter Milan and AC Milan at Kingdom Arena on January 6, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
The most important thing for Milan in January is to resolve Mike Magnan’s expiring contract. The 30-year-old is now entering the final months of his contract, which expires at the end of June, and Milan risk losing their goalkeeper on a free transfer if he does not commit to an extension in the near future.
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If Maignan leaves, Milan will not only lose one of the strongest goalkeepers in the league, if not in Europe, they may also have to spend a large part of their summer budget to find a replacement.
The most recent update states that Maignan has been offered a three-and-a-half-year contract with the option to extend, with a net salary of approximately €7 million per season (including bonuses). If Maignan signs on these terms, he will join Rafael Leao as the club’s highest-paid player.
What else does Milan need?
BOURMOUTH, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 14: Chelsea’s Axel Disasi watches the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Chelsea Football Club at Vitality Stadium on September 14, 2024 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Ryan Heathcote/Getty Images)
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Fulkrug should provide Allegri with a complete attacker. The Rossoneri have a well-stocked midfield that includes Luka Modric, Adrien Rabiot, Youssef Fofana, Alden Jashari, Samuel Leach and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Alexis Salemekers and Davide Bartesaj have impressed at full-back this season, so investment outside in January isn’t necessary either.
If there is one area where Milan needs to strengthen, it might be at centre-back. A number of names have been mentioned in Italian media in recent weeks, including an unlikely move for Juventus’ Federico Gatti, while Milan Skriniar and Eric Dier were also mentioned as options in January. Chelsea’s Axel Disasi is also rumored to be available in January.
Finally, Milan are also expected to complete a deal for 18-year-old forward Andrei Kostic, but it seems unlikely that he will break directly into the first team, especially after the arrival of Fulkrug.
