Milan directors Antonio D’Ottavio and Geoffrey Moncada had anticipated significant gains upon the departures of Divock Origi and Fode Ballo-Toure to the Premier League last summer. However, the performance of both players has fallen short of expectations.
Origi was loaned to Nottingham Forest without any fee, with an option for the English club to purchase him for €4.5 million, while Nottingham Forest agreed to cover his entire annual net wage of €4 million. This move, considering Origi’s track record at Liverpool, was perceived as a logical step back into the Premier League.
On the other hand, Ballo-Toure joined Fulham on a loan deal with no purchase options or obligations, indicating his return to Milan at the end of the loan term. The aspiration was for him to regain his form after an underwhelming spell in Lombardy.
Daniele Longo, writing for Calciomercato.com, emphasizes Milan’s predicament concerning both players as the summer transfer window approaches. The club must seek new destinations for Origi and Ballo-Toure when the market reopens.
Milan has expressed no intention to retain Origi and anticipates his return from Nottingham Forest at the conclusion of the season. Currently, the club is exploring potential opportunities in Major League Soccer (MLS) and Turkey for the striker.
Ballo-Toure faces a more challenging situation. Despite being 27 years old, he has played only 53 minutes across five Premier League matches, resulting in a significant decline in his market value.