Mattia Liberali, the talented young midfielder from AC Milan’s academy, is at a crossroads in his career. Despite showcasing his skills during the club’s summer tour in the United States, the 17-year-old prodigy is struggling to find his place within the Rossoneri setup.
Calciomercato report how Liberali’s performances during the preseason caught the eye of many, displaying both quality and personality that belied his young age. His potential has been recognized beyond Milan, with the Guardian including him in their prestigious list of the world’s 60 most promising young players. He is also a key figure in Italy’s Under-19 national team.
Initially, the plan for Liberali seemed clear: a gradual progression from the Primavera (youth team) to Milan Futuro, the club’s Serie C side, to acclimatize to senior football. However, this transition has not gone as smoothly as expected.
After starting the season with Milan Futuro under the guidance of Daniele Bonera, Liberali found it challenging to adapt to Serie C football. His playing time diminished, culminating in his absence from the squad list. His last appearance for Milan Futuro came on October 30th against Pineto, following his second call-up to Paulo Fonseca’s first team squad for the match against Napoli on October 29th.
Since then, Liberali has returned to the Primavera squad, featuring regularly in both the domestic league and UEFA Youth League, where he has scored two goals. However, this step back was not what the young talent had envisioned for his development this season.
Liberali had hoped for more opportunities with both Milan Futuro and the first team. His struggle to find a defined role under Bonera and the lack of chances under Fonseca have led him to consider options away from the San Siro.
As news of Liberali’s situation spreads, several clubs have begun to show interest. Atalanta, known for their keen eye for young Italian talent, are monitoring the situation closely. Fiorentina have also joined the race, with reports suggesting they have made inquiries about the attacking midfielder in recent weeks.
Liberali’s contract with AC Milan runs until June 30, 2026, leaving just over 18 months on his current deal. This relatively short timeframe makes him an attractive prospect for interested clubs, who may see an opportunity to secure a top talent.
