The Rossoneri continue the hunt for a new number 9 for the next season. Here are the candidates, their costs, and the path to reach them.
Milan’s future seems clear. According to ‘Gazzetta dello Sport’ One between Olivier Giroud and Luka Jovic won’t remain in Milan starting next July, and a new starting center-forward will join Milan. Who will it be? How much will it cost? Well, that’s an interesting topic and Milan is already looking around.
Benjamin Sesko is at the top of the list right now, with Joshua Zirkzee‘s name getting more and more traction by the day. Jonathan David has been on the list for months, while the Feyenoord star Santiago Gimenez is showing up in the second row for now.
Five months before the official start of the transfer market, the certainty lies in the players’ characteristics. The Leao-Zirkzee duo is by far the most creative, and for many, the most fascinating. The problem: Zirkzee still has to prove he can play at a high level, and the Rafa-Joshua duo needs to add ruthlessness in the box, they both aren’t a natural born scorers, they are creators.
The more classic number 9 is Santiago Gimenez, who stays in the box much more than Zirkzee (and much more than Jonathan David) he can become a good partner for Leao. Feyenoord are asking for 50 million, including bonuses. The least expensive option might be Jonathan David, while Sesko is the most hidden one: he plays less than the others and spends a lot of time on the bench after moving to Leipzig. Whether it’s an advantage or a disadvantage, time will tell.
JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (BOLOGNA)
In November, Rafa Leao liked an article mentioning Zirkzee as Milan’s target, almost a vote of confidence. The potential 9-10 duo is a mix of class and skills. Joshua has grown with Thiago Motta and shows great potential. He knows Italian football, has the physique for respect, and at San Siro against Inter and Milan, was always a difference makee. A stat: Zirkzee creates 1.3 chances per game, more than all of his competitors. However, this transfer is complex; Bayern can sell him for 40 million. With teams in the Premier League interested, but German and English teams are favorites. The game is far from over…”
SANTIAGO GIMENEZ (FEYENOORD)
In terms of numbers, Santiago Gimenez emerges as a strong candidate. Two standout points: the 22-year-old Mexican takes two shots per game in the Netherlands, surpassing Sesko, Zirkzee, and David. Notably, Gimenez’s expected goals per game are 0.93, while others don’t even reach more than 0.4. He operates uniquely in the box, demonstrating reactivity, alertness, and solutions in tight spaces. Age is on his side, having scored 15 goals in the last Eredivisie with Feyenoord, now at 19. However, uncertainties arise. Eredivisie numbers may inflate, and the cost is a significant factor, with Feyenoord asking for €50 million, potentially increasing in spring. Gimenez, less flashy at just over 1.80 meters, is relatively unknown in Italy, having played only four Champions League matches. San Siro’s pressure could be challenging for him.
BENJAMIN SESKO (RB LEIPZIG)
Despite challenges, Sesko is Milan’s preferred striker. His widely-talked-about qualities include physical and technical prowess, with the ability to score in various ways, seemingly tailored for 2030 football. A year ago at Salzburg, he netted 16 goals, showcasing Champions League scoring in 2021. Internationally, he scored against Sweden, Norway, and Serbia. Aligning with Leao seems fitting; he can dominate the box or drop back to play with the team. He once mentioned, “When I see a player like Ibra, I feel truly happy. I liked watching him.” However, Big Ben is the only human not holding a starting position. At Leipzig, he started only 6 games and had 2 Champions League starts. Other concerns? Few, honestly. He has had occasional muscle injuries, but the real worries are the cost and competition. Sesko won’t come cheap – not less than €40 million at the moment. The Red Bull universe isn’t eager to let him go, and if they consider it, there will be a line of suitors.
JONATHAN DAVID (LILLE)
Jonathan David excels in the age-experience equation. At 24, with Lille since 2020, he’s seen World Cup action and played in Champions and Europa League since 2018. An advantage is his contract expiring in 2025, making him cost-effective but with a high salary. His 24 goals in the last Ligue 1 season impress. However, this season, David scored just 6 league goals, 2 in the Conference, and 3 in the French Cup. His sub-180 cm stature suits counterattacks, but he’s not a towering presence in the box. The potential partnership with Leao is intriguing, though David’s preference for center-left raises doubts.
