AC Milan: Sarri in Pole Position, Theo Hernandez and Reijnders Linked with Departures
Milan, Italy, May 16, 2025 – AC Milan is at a crossroads, with reports indicating that Maurizio Sarri is the frontrunner to become the next head coach, replacing Sergio Conceicao, amid speculation that key players Theo Hernandez and Tijjani Reijnders could leave the club in the summer transfer window. The developments, covered by sources like SempreMilan, The Athletic, and Goal.com, reflect a turbulent season for the Rossoneri, who are eighth in Serie A and face a potential rebuild. Below is a detailed breakdown of the coaching situation and the potential exits of Hernandez and Reijnders, addressing your query about Milan’s current trajectory.
Maurizio Sarri in Pole Position
Context: AC Milan sacked Paulo Fonseca in December 2024 after a disappointing league campaign, with Conceicao taking over in January 2025. Despite winning the Supercoppa Italiana and reaching the Coppa Italia final (played May 14, 2025, against Bologna), Conceicao’s tenure has been marred by inconsistent Serie A results and speculation about his future. Reports suggest he may resign, frustrated by constant rumors of replacements, including Massimiliano Allegri, Carlo Ancelotti, and Sarri.
Sarri’s Candidacy:
- SempreMilan (May 2 and May 4, 2025) reports that Sarri, fresh from his stint at Lazio, is gaining momentum as Milan’s top choice. His 4-3-3 system, emphasizing possession, high wingers, and technical full-backs, aligns with Milan’s squad, particularly players like Theo Hernandez, Tijjani Reijnders, and Rafael Leao.
- Sarri’s familiarity with Serie A, where he won the Scudetto with Juventus in 2020, and his reputation for attacking football make him appealing. La Repubblica notes he’s “waiting for a call” to lead a high-ambition project, with Milan’s management and fans reportedly supportive.
- A proposed lineup under Sarri includes Mike Maignan in goal, Theo Hernandez and Alex Jimenez as full-backs, and Reijnders as a dynamic midfielder, though the latter’s future is uncertain.
- Challenges include Sarri’s demanding style, which requires squad buy-in, and concerns about management support, as some fans on X fear a repeat of past instability.
Other Candidates: Allegri and Ancelotti are also linked, but Sarri appears to lead due to his availability and fit. Fan sentiment on X, like @acmilanchampo21, expresses skepticism about managerial changes amid player exits, reflecting broader unease.
Theo Hernandez: Potential Departure
Status: Theo Hernandez, Milan’s star left-back, faces an uncertain future as his contract, expiring in June 2026, remains unrenewed. The 27-year-old Frenchman, who joined from Real Madrid in 2019 for €22.8 million, has been pivotal, with 241 appearances, 32 goals, and 44 assists. However, stalled renewal talks and interest from top clubs have fueled exit rumors.
Transfer Rumors:
- Real Madrid: With Xabi Alonso set to replace Ancelotti (now Brazil’s coach), Real Madrid is eyeing a return for Hernandez, who played there in 2017–19. Calciomercato.com and Marca report renewed interest, viewing him as a “low-cost” option at his peak, especially with Alphonso Davies staying at Bayern Munich.
- Manchester City: Sports Mole notes City’s interest, though Hernandez reportedly prefers Real Madrid, where he’d “do everything possible” to return.
- Milan’s Stance: Technical director Geoffrey Moncada has hinted at openness to selling Hernandez if no renewal is reached, with TuttoMercatoWeb journalist Niccolo Ceccarini convinced he’ll leave in summer 2025. Milan’s management is wary of losing him for free in 2026, as with Gianluigi Donnarumma.
- Recent reports (SempreMilan, May 3) suggest Hernandez wants to stay, with “glimpses of the old Theo” in recent games boosting renewal hopes. However, X posts, like @ACMilan_Press, indicate Milan is open to selling if talks stall, with a potential €50–60 million fee.
Performance and Sentiment: Hernandez has regained form, ranking third in Milan’s minutes played this season, but early-season struggles led to fan criticism, with some, like @La__Tang, calling him “lazy” and urging a sale. Others see his exit as inevitable if Milan misses Champions League qualification.
Tijjani Reijnders: Manchester City’s Target
Status: Tijjani Reijnders, a 26-year-old Dutch midfielder, signed a contract extension with Milan until June 2030 in March 2025, underscoring his importance. With 101 appearances since joining from AZ in 2023, he’s been a key player, helping win the Supercoppa Italiana and reaching the Coppa Italia final. However, Manchester City’s interest threatens his stay.
Transfer Rumors:
- Manchester City: The Athletic, Goal.com, and Telegraph report that City, under Pep Guardiola, have contacted Milan for Reijnders as part of a midfield rebuild. His versatility as a No. 8 or defensive midfielder, plus his Euro 2024 semi-final experience, makes him a target. City is prepared to offer over €70 million, potentially exceeding Milan’s record €68 million Kaka sale.
- Milan’s Position: Despite the new contract, Milan has no “unsellable” players, and SempreMilan notes fears of Reijnders’ departure, especially with a €100 million-plus offer, as per @ACMilan_Press. His recent deal complicates negotiations, but Reijnders is reportedly open to a Premier League move.
- Fan and Analyst Concerns: X posts, like @DanisKarovi1 and @milanistapelato, warn that losing Reijnders, alongside Hernandez, Leao, and Maignan, could usher in a “banter era 2.0” for Milan, especially without Champions League football. Fans fear funds won’t be reinvested wisely, with @acmilanchampo21 lamenting a combined €100 million sale for both players.
Performance: Reijnders has been a standout, starting regularly in Serie A and the Champions League, with his physicality and playmaking fitting Sarri’s proposed 4-3-3. His potential exit is a blow, given his role as a “playmaker and runner,” per SempreMilan.
No Confirmation on Sarri Appointment
While Sarri is “in pole,” no official confirmation has emerged as of May 16, 2025. The Coppa Italia final outcome and Conceicao’s decision could influence the timeline. SempreMilan suggests Sarri’s appointment would shape transfers, potentially favoring players like Samuele Ricci, but Reijnders’ and Hernandez’s exits could disrupt plans.
Broader Context and Challenges
Milan’s eighth-place Serie A standing and likely absence from the 2025–26 Champions League heighten the stakes. The potential loss of Hernandez and Reijnders, alongside rumors about Rafael Leao and Mike Maignan, threatens a squad overhaul. Goal.com notes Milan is “primed for a rebuild,” with Conceicao’s possible resignation and Sarri’s arrival signaling change, but fans on X, like @WhatGattusoMad, express “zero faith” in positive outcomes.
Sarri’s track record offers hope for attacking football, but his success depends on retaining key players or savvy replacements. Hernandez’s contract standoff and Reijnders’ allure to City complicate Milan’s planning, with financial pressures pushing sales if offers exceed €70–100 million. The club’s history of losing stars for free (e.g., Donnarumma) looms large, as noted by @La__Tang.
Conclusion
Maurizio Sarri is the leading candidate to become AC Milan’s head coach, with his 4-3-3 system suiting the squad, but the potential departures of Theo Hernandez (linked to Real Madrid and Manchester City) and Tijjani Reijnders (targeted by Manchester City for over €70 million) pose significant risks. Hernandez’s contract talks and Reijnders’ new deal haven’t quelled exit rumors, with Milan open to sales if offers are substantial. As the club navigates a disappointing season, Sarri’s appointment and transfer decisions will shape its future. For updates, check SempreMilan (www.sempremilan.com) or The Athletic (www.nytimes.com/athletic).
Note: Information is based on sources as of May 16, 2025, at 12:36 AM IST. Verify with official club statements for accuracy. X posts reflect sentiment but are not conclusive evidence.