As the final whispers of the transfer window faded, AC Milan concluded its summer dealings with a characteristic blend of strategic acquisitions and tantalizing near-misses. For the Rossoneri faithful, September 1st arrived not with a bang, but with a series of intricate maneuvers that left some questions answered, and others lingering like an unkicked ball.
The Unheralded Arrival: David Odogu from Wolfsburg
Milan`s defensive reinforcements culminated in the unexpected signing of David Odogu, a central defender born in 2006, from German club Wolfsburg. While his name might not yet be a household one, keen Milanisti can sprint to YouTube to catch a glimpse of this touted talent, who boasts three Bundesliga appearances already – a notable feat for a player of his tender age.
This move echoes the club`s 2022 acquisition of Malick Thiaw. While Thiaw arrived with two more years of experience and over 50 appearances in the German leagues, Odogu represents a similar strategic pivot: investing in high-potential youth who can grow into first-team roles. Given Milan`s recent adoption of a three-at-the-back system, a deeper defensive roster has become an imperative, and Odogu fits the bill as a long-term prospect.
The Elusive Target: The Joe Gomez Saga
However, not all of Milan`s defensive aspirations materialized. The pursuit of Liverpool`s Joe Gomez, a primary target until the final hours, ultimately collapsed. Despite reports that Liverpool had secured Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace – a move that seemingly opened the door for Gomez`s departure – the logistical labyrinth proved too intricate.
Organizing medical examinations and international travel for the English defender in such a compressed timeframe became the footballing equivalent of missing a flight because you couldn`t find your passport. Milan, therefore, observed with a detached air as complications arose between Brighton and Crystal Palace over another player, Igor, casting further doubt on the Guehi deal. For Gomez and Milan, it simply wasn`t meant to be, at least for this window.
The Loan Lament: Gimenez and Dovbyk
Beyond the defensive additions, Milan also explored potential movements in its attacking ranks. A late attempt was made to orchestrate a loan swap involving Santiago Gimenez and Roma`s Artem Dovbyk. This proposed exchange, however, hit an impasse when Roma insisted on a buy-option for Gimenez, a condition Milan was unwilling to meet, wary of a repeat of past loan experiences where players departed without a clear path back or a profitable sale.
The situation gained a public dimension when Rafaela Pimenta, agent to Gimenez, posted a defiant message on Instagram: “Sarà perché tifiamo Gimenez-Milan,” roughly translating to “Perhaps it`s because we support Gimenez-Milan.” A public declaration that left little to the imagination: Santiago was staying put, much to the presumed relief of his agent and perhaps a segment of the Rossoneri faithful.
As the curtains fall on this transfer window, AC Milan emerges with a young, promising defender in Odogu, a testament to their long-term vision. Yet, the failed pursuits of established names like Gomez and the complications surrounding the Gimenez-Dovbyk swap highlight the often-unpredictable nature of deadline day dealings. The Rossoneri squad, now finalized, will embark on the season with a mix of youthful exuberance and seasoned talent, all while tactical adjustments to accommodate a three-man defense continue to be a key talking point. Only time, and the results on the pitch, will tell if these final maneuvers were shrewd calculations or simply the frantic scramble of a market closing its doors.
