Milan, Lombardy, Italy – June 6, 2026 – AC Milan is grappling with a significant internal crisis that could lead to the departure of several star players. A lack of clear direction within the club’s management has created an environment of uncertainty, potentially prompting key figures such as Mike Maignan, Luka Modric, Adrien Rabiot, and Rafael Leao to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Management Vacuum Sparks Concern Among Players
The Rossoneri squad is reportedly unsettled by the current state of the club’s management. With no clear leadership in the sporting and financial departments, players and their representatives are expressing dismay. This vacuum at the top, described as an “empty shell,” is seen as a major factor in the potential player exodus.
Marco Pasotto from La Gazzetta dello Sport highlights the gravity of the situation, stating, “Not only are there no directors responsible for squad management and transfers, but there’s also no one to provide overall strategic direction. A vacuum usually breeds chaos, and chaos is hardly the best way to retain players, especially the most important ones.”
Rafael Leao: A Likely Departure
Rafael Leao, a cornerstone of Milan’s recent successes, appears to be on the verge of leaving. Despite his significant contributions-80 goals and 65 assists in nearly 300 appearances-his performance has reportedly been in decline for some time. A separation is now seen as mutually beneficial, though it would create a substantial void on the left flank.
Mike Maignan: Unexpected Rumours
Goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who extended his contract until 2031 just months ago, is also unexpectedly linked with a potential move. While initially deemed secure, renewed interest from Juventus, who previously pursued him, suggests that even Maignan’s future is not entirely certain amidst the club’s instability. His departure would send further negative signals given his importance and influence within the team.
Luka Modric: A Guarantor’s Dilemma
Luka Modric’s situation presents a dual challenge for Milan. His on-field contributions are undeniable, but his presence also serves as a “guarantor” of quality and stability. The club’s current turmoil, including the coach’s departure and unstable leadership, places him in a difficult position regarding his decision for the next season. While he has not yet decided, optimism for his retention is reportedly waning.
Adrien Rabiot: Allegri’s Influence
Adrien Rabiot’s potential departure is linked to his desire to reunite with former coach Massimiliano Allegri. Although he has a contract with Milan until 2028, the question arises whether retaining an unwilling player who no longer sees sufficient reasons to stay would be beneficial for the club. His situation underscores the broader issue of player motivation in the absence of a compelling project.
The Ball is in Cardinale’s Court
The potential simultaneous departure of these four key players-affecting three out of four departments-would be extremely challenging for Milan to remedy. The responsibility now falls squarely on the Rossoneri ownership, particularly Gerry Cardinale, to address the underlying issues and restore stability to the club.
As the article states, “The ball is in the Rossoneri ownership’s court: Cardinale also deals with business related to the film industry, so it’s up to him to change that ‘Escape from Carnago’ into a more appealing title.” The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future direction of AC Milan and its ability to retain its most valuable assets.
Source: https://www.gazzetta.it/en/football/teams/milan/news/06-06-2026/milan-from-maignan-and-modric-to-rabiot-and-leao-club-risks-losing-its-key-players_amp.shtml
