Milan are preparing for a significant player turnover this summer, with defender Filip Pavlovic identified as the most likely player to be sold, according to reports in the Italian press. The club anticipates at least one major sale in the upcoming transfer window, following a pattern established in recent seasons where key players have been moved on.
Milan’s willingness to sell established stars is not new; Sandro Tonali was sold to Newcastle United in 2022 despite being viewed as a future club icon. Last year saw further departures including Theo Hernandez, Malick Thiaw, and Tijjani Reijnders, demonstrating a proactive approach to reshaping the squad. This summer’s activity will be influenced by ongoing uncertainty surrounding the club’s sporting structure, but a clear-out is expected following a season that promised Champions League qualification but ultimately ended in disappointment.
The list of potential departures, as reported by mercato, ranks Pavlovic as the most probable exit. The Serbian centre-back has featured regularly for Milan this season, but the club may be tempted by offers to capitalize on his value. Behind Pavlovic, Christopher Nkunku, Fodé Ballo-Touré, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Rafael Leão are also listed as potential candidates for sale, in ascending order of likelihood.
Leão, the club’s star forward, remains a highly sought-after asset, with interest expected from Premier League clubs. Loftus-Cheek and Fofana are also listed, but appear less likely to be sold than Pavlovic. Nkunku’s future is also uncertain, although the report does not specify any concrete interest. The potential sale of Pavlovic would allow Milan to reinvest in strengthening other areas of the squad, potentially addressing weaknesses identified during the recent campaign. The club’s strategy suggests a continued focus on financial sustainability alongside on-pitch performance, and player sales are seen as a crucial component of this approach.
Pavlovic joined Milan in 2023 and has become a regular in the starting eleven, contributing to the team’s defensive solidity. However, with the club seemingly open to offers, his long-term future at the San Siro appears uncertain. A sale could provide Milan with funds to pursue alternative defensive targets and continue their squad rebuild.
