Milan owner Gerry Cardinale is determined to retain key players Christian Pulisic and Luka Modric, according to reports from Italy. Cardinale has reportedly rejected an approach from New York City for Pulisic, despite a substantial offer of $10 million net per year for five years.
Pulisic joined Milan last summer from Chelsea and currently has a contract with the club until 2027, with an automatic extension option to 2028. While rejecting offers suggests a future contract negotiation, talks were previously paused during last season, and the club’s failure to qualify for the Champions League for a second consecutive year may complicate discussions. Despite a relatively quiet 2026 season with no goals, Cardinale views Pulisic as a crucial figure for the future of the club.
The situation with Modric is different, as the veteran midfielder has an option to extend his stay at Milan for another season. However, the decision rests solely with the player. He has received a proposal from Real Madrid to retire and join José Mourinho’s coaching staff. Cardinale is keen for Modric to continue playing and believes he could be a valuable asset under new manager Ruben Amorim, having previously played under Massimiliano Allegri.
Modric is currently participating in the international tournament with Croatia and will postpone any decisions regarding his future until after the competition. He is expected to inform Milan of his plans following the tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Cardinale is actively reshaping the Milan squad with a new organizational structure, and retaining experienced players like Pulisic and Modric appears central to his plans. These moves signal a commitment to building a competitive team capable of returning to the Champions League.
