AC Milan Close in on Samuele Ricci as €25m Midfield Deal Nears Completion

Torino’s asking price dropped as Rossoneri push forward with major summer rebuild

It’s shaping up to be a busy summer at San Siro. With the dust barely settled on a turbulent 2024-25 campaign, AC Milan are already deep into the transfer trenches. And after weeks of tactical negotiation, the Rossoneri look set to land Samuele Ricci from Torino—for a cut-price €25 million.

Once valued at €33 million by Torino, the 23-year-old midfielder is on the verge of becoming a Milan player, thanks to the careful and persistent negotiation efforts of Igli Tare, the club’s recently appointed sporting director. According to Calciomercato, the final package includes bonuses and performance-based add-ons that helped seal the deal.

The timing couldn’t be more ideal. After the high-profile departure of Tijjani Reijnders to Manchester City, Milan have been searching for a new midfield cornerstone—and Ricci could very well be the first of several new arrivals to fill the void.

A Long Courtship Finally Pays Off

For Milan, this deal has been a slow-burner. The club reportedly had a personal agreement with Ricci dating back to January, but had struggled to find common ground with Torino on a transfer fee. Ricci, for his part, was said to be eager for the move and viewed Milan as the ideal next step in his career.

Torino initially stood firm, demanding in excess of €30m. But as the weeks rolled by and Milan stayed patient, Torino gradually softened. The final compromise was a structured €25m deal—with bonuses to ensure Torino aren’t left empty-handed if Ricci thrives in red and black.

Ricci: A Midfielder with Tactical Intelligence Beyond His Years

Italy v Moldova – FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifier milan

What Milan are getting is more than just a technical player. Samuele Ricci is a midfielder who blends intelligent positioning, clean distribution, and tireless work rate—a rare combination in players so young. Though only 23, Ricci plays with a maturity that has caught the eye across Italy—and even abroad.

He was reportedly tracked by Manchester City as a potential backup for Rodri, especially when the Spanish Ballon d’Or winner suffered an injury last season. Though that move never materialized, the fact that Ricci was considered by City speaks volumes.

Ricci himself has publicly admitted his admiration for Rodri, revealing that he frequently studies video footage of the Spaniard’s positioning and decision-making. That dedication to improvement—paired with his natural ability—makes him a mouthwatering prospect for Massimiliano Allegri, who’s eager to reshape Milan’s midfield.

Allegri and Tare: A Rebuild in Motion

With Ricci’s signing almost complete, this is only the beginning of the Milan overhaul. The sale of Reijnders has left a significant creative gap in midfield, and both Allegri and Tare seem determined to make this summer count.

Ricci’s arrival will be followed closely by the signing of Luka Modric, who is set to join Milan on a free transfer after wrapping up Club World Cup duties with Real Madrid. While Modric brings world-class experience and leadership, Ricci offers energy and long-term potential—suggesting that Milan are aiming for a well-balanced engine room.

Targets such as Granit Xhaka, Ardon Jashari, and Javi Guerra are also reportedly on the club’s radar. Each would offer something different: Xhaka, the bite and leadership; Jashari, youthful dynamism; Guerra, a more attacking-minded profile. It’s a full-on renovation project, and Milan want the bulk of the work done before pre-season kicks off on July 7.

The Bigger Picture: Milan’s Identity Crisis

FC Internazionale v AC Milan: Semi Final – Coppa Italia

Milan’s eighth-place finish in Serie A last season was unacceptable by any standard—especially for a club that lifted the Scudetto just three years ago. The lack of cohesion in midfield was one of the most glaring issues. At times, the team looked too one-paced, too predictable, too easy to bypass through the center.

With Reijnders gone and players like Ismael Bennacer battling fitness issues, the rebuild became inevitable. Allegri, returning to a Milan side he once led to domestic dominance, now faces a very different task. He’s not inheriting a finished product, but rather a squad in transition, in need of structure, control, and clarity.

Ricci’s arrival won’t solve everything overnight, but it is a clear signal that Milan aren’t planning to stand still.

Why Ricci Could Be the Perfect Fit

So, what exactly will Ricci bring to this evolving Milan side?

First and foremost, control. Ricci is a player who doesn’t just chase the ball; he dictates tempo. He excels in deeper roles, often dropping in to receive passes from center-backs before launching attacks. His passing range may not yet rival Modric’s, but it’s effective and thoughtful. He keeps things ticking—and that’s exactly what Allegri craves from his pivot.

Second, positional intelligence. Unlike some young midfielders who rely on flair and energy, Ricci shines through his reading of the game. He knows where to be, when to press, and how to shield his back line without overcommitting.

Lastly, there’s his ceiling. At 23, Ricci is still several years from his prime. With the right guidance and game time, he could grow into a midfielder of European pedigree—perhaps even pushing for a regular spot in the Italian national team.

What Comes Next for Milan?

Once Ricci officially puts pen to paper, attention will turn to the other moving parts. Will Xhaka agree to leave Leverkusen? Can Milan persuade Jashari’s club to sell at a reasonable price? How quickly can Modric adjust to the demands of Serie A?

Tare and Allegri know they’re on the clock. Milan’s pre-season begins in less than two weeks, and the squad must be close to settled if they want to hit the ground running. The 2025-26 season won’t allow for another slow start.

Conclusion: A Statement of Intent

Signing Samuele Ricci for €25m may not make back-page headlines across Europe, but it could go down as one of the smartest moves of Milan’s summer. In a market where prices are spiraling, Milan have managed to land a technically gifted, tactically aware midfielder for a reasonable fee.

It’s a statement of intent—not just in terms of talent acquisition, but in the profile of player Milan are targeting. Young, hungry, intelligent. A new Milan is coming. And Ricci might just be at the heart of it.