AC Milan’s ambitious plan to create synergy between the first team and their U23 squad, Milan Futuro, is facing significant hurdles. Both teams are grappling with their own set of problems, forcing the club to look elsewhere for solutions. This applies to both first-team coach Sergio Conceição and Milan Futuro manager Daniele Bonera.
As the January transfer window progresses, Gazzetta dello Sport report that Milan fans are clamouring for reinforcements across multiple positions. Conceição himself has expressed concern about the squad’s depth, hinting at the need for new arrivals before the window closes on February 3rd.
The original plan was to maintain a leaner first-team squad, with the intention of promoting talent from Milan Futuro as the season progressed. However, this strategy has not yielded the expected results. The U23 team, competing in Serie C, is struggling and facing the risk of relegation, which would be a significant setback for the entire project.
The first team’s roster of 26 players (23 outfield players) is proving insufficient, especially given the injury problems that have plagued the squad. The contribution from Milan Futuro has been minimal, with only a handful of players making brief appearances for the senior team.
Notable youngsters like Francesco Camarda and Mattia Liberali have shown promise but have had limited opportunities. The statistics paint a stark picture: zero goals and zero assists from U23 players in the first team.
Milan are now forced to reconsider its approach. The club is looking to bring in experienced reinforcements for both the senior squad and Milan Futuro during the January window. This shift in strategy highlights the challenges of integrating youth development with the immediate needs of a top-tier team.
