Milan, Lombardy, Italy – The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has approved a special exemption allowing AC Milan to field their new German striker, Niclas Füllkrug, in the upcoming match against Cagliari on January 2, 2026. This decision, which bypasses standard transfer registration timelines, ensures that Milan will not be disadvantaged compared to other clubs in the league.
FIGC’s Expedited Approval for Füllkrug
The request for this exemption originated from the Lega Serie A, aiming to provide “full and identical protection” to all participating clubs. The federal communiqué confirmed the approval, stating, “The proposal is agreeable, and in particular, the reasons aimed at ensuring full and identical protection for all associates of the Lega Calcio Serie A.”
This means that, specifically for the Cagliari-Milan match on January 2, 2026, players whose registration effective date coincides with the match date can be utilized. The crucial condition is that the electronic deposit of the registration requests must be completed by 4:00 PM on the day of the match.
Urgency Driven by Injuries and Fixture Congestion
The urgency to integrate Füllkrug into the squad stems from AC Milan’s current injury woes. Gimenez is sidelined for two months, and Rafael Leão is recovering from a muscle injury, leaving the Rossoneri light in attack. Initially, the target for Füllkrug’s debut was the Milan-Genoa match on January 8. However, with the transfer window opening on January 2 – the same day as the Cagliari fixture – the standard technical timelines for contract registration would have prevented his participation.
The FIGC’s intervention effectively resolves this issue, allowing Füllkrug to potentially make an immediate impact. This flexibility is particularly important given that the Milan-Cagliari game is an early kick-off for the 18th matchday.
Transfer Details and Immediate Plans
AC Milan is currently finalizing the last details of the agreement with West Ham for Füllkrug. The deal is expected to be a loan with an option to buy. Once all paperwork is completed, Füllkrug is anticipated to travel to Milan as early as this evening or tomorrow to begin training with coach Massimiliano Allegri’s squad. This expedited process has been made possible by a specific clearance from the English club, acknowledging the urgency of the situation.
Impact on Milan’s January Fixtures
Füllkrug’s availability for the January 2 match against Cagliari is a significant boost for AC Milan. His presence will provide much-needed depth and attacking prowess during a critical period for the club, especially with key players out injured. The ability to deploy new signings on the very first day of the transfer window, facilitated by this FIGC exemption, demonstrates a proactive approach to squad management and competitive fairness.
This development highlights the dynamic nature of football transfers and the administrative flexibility sometimes required to ensure clubs can compete effectively, especially when facing unforeseen challenges such as player injuries.
