Modric is just the beginning of the renovation at AC Milan

AC Milan is entering a new era of ambition and reconstruction, and technical director Igli Tare has laid out a clear and bold roadmap for the club’s future.

In an extensive press appearance, the Albanian executive confirmed the major overhaul that is underway, starting with the imminent arrival of Luka Modric one of the most decorated midfielders in football history and extending deep into several key areas of the squad. For Milan fans, this marks the beginning of what could be a dramatic summer of change.

Tare spoke openly about his recent discussions with Modric, praising the Croatian veteran not only for his ability on the pitch but for the mentality and leadership he can inject into the dressing room. “I saw him as someone who still has a huge desire to compete,” Tare said, suggesting that the 39-year-old remains as driven as ever. “His arrival will be fundamentally important for what he can bring to the team in terms of mentality, personality, and leadership.” Modric, currently preparing for the FIFA Club World Cup with Real Madrid, is expected to sign for Milan shortly afterward, adding a massive dose of experience to a squad in transition.

According to Tare, Modric's mindset impressed him right from the first meeting. “The first thing he asked me was whether we are a team built to win the championship,” he revealed. “We’re talking about a champion who comes from Real Madrid, a club where winning is the standard. He’s won the Champions League six times. It would be fantastic for him to have another season where he plays a leading role, especially with the national team World Cup on the horizon.”

But Modric is just the tip of the iceberg. Tare confirmed that Milan’s midfield, in particular, is undergoing a fundamental rebuild. With Tijjani Reijnders leaving for Manchester City, the club is not looking for a direct replacement with the same style, but rather reshaping the entire profile of the midfield unit. “It’s hard to make comparisons,” he explained, “but I believe Milan already has one of the most complete midfielders in Europe in Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Still, Reijnders can be replaced by new players with different characteristics. We want to implement a three-man midfield that can adapt during matches.” This suggests a more fluid, versatile tactical approach under incoming manager Massimiliano Allegri, who returns to Serie A after a short hiatus.

Tare also addressed the uncertain future of Yunus Musah. Despite calling him “an excellent player,” he admitted that Musah may not fit Allegri’s tactical vision and could be moved. In terms of reinforcements, he confirmed interest in players like Granit Xhaka of Bayer Leverkusen and Swiss international Ardon Jashari, both of whom are seen as strong options for Milan’s reshaped engine room.

The changes won’t be limited to midfield. The departure of several attacking players has left Santiago Gimenez recently signed from Feyenoord as the only natural center-forward on the roster. Tammy Abraham and João Félix have returned to their parent clubs (AS Roma and Chelsea respectively), Luka Jovic’s contract has expired, and Álvaro Morata is expected to leave. As a result, Tare is actively searching for another striker who can offer something different and compete with Gimenez. “He’s an excellent player,” said Tare of the Mexican striker, “but he needed time to adjust to Italian football, which is very different from what he was used to in the Netherlands. We're looking for someone with completely different characteristics to complement him.”

As for the defense and goalkeeping, there are fewer changes expected at least for now. Despite interest from Chelsea, Mike Maignan is set to remain Milan’s number one between the posts. Tare was firm on this point, dismissing any suggestions of a transfer. On the wings, the club will only make moves if players leave. Rafael Leão remains a constant source of speculation in the transfer market, but Tare underlined the Portuguese winger’s importance, calling him “a fundamental part of the project.” Leão’s presence could be crucial not only for Milan’s title ambitions but also to ensure continuity in an otherwise evolving squad.

What’s clear from Tare’s detailed comments is that AC Milan is not planning a minor tweak or partial refresh it is a deep, systemic rebuild with serious ambitions. By combining experienced leaders like Modric with tactical reshaping and targeted recruitment, the Rossoneri aim to restore themselves not just as a top-four team in Italy, but as genuine Scudetto contenders and European threats. The months ahead will be decisive not only in shaping Milan’s squad, but also in determining whether this ambitious rebuild delivers the kind of results the fans and club history demand.