AC Milan’s attempt to overhaul their squad following a disappointing first half of the season saw the club appoint Sergio Conceicao as head coach and bring in Joao Felix as a marquee signing. However, after a string of poor performances and fading ambitions, the Rossoneri have reportedly made an important decision on the Portuguese duo.
Following Paulo Fonseca’s dismissal, Conceicao got off to a promising start by guiding Milan to victory over Inter Milan in the Italian Super Cup. However, the club’s struggles in both the UEFA Champions League — where they were eliminated by Feyenoord — and Serie A have significantly altered perceptions of the Portuguese coach.
Joao Felix’s situation mirrors that of his coach. Personally requested by Conceicao, the forward made an immediate impact by scoring on his debut against AS Roma. However, his form has since dipped dramatically, with Felix managing just one goal and one assist in nine appearances. This slump ultimately saw him benched in Milan’s last two matches.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, barring a surprising turn of events, Conceicao is unlikely to remain Milan’s head coach for the 2025-26 season. Consequently, Joao Felix is also expected to depart.
Felix’s arrival at Milan was strongly influenced by Conceicao — both share Jorge Mendes as their agent — and the club pushed for a €5.5 million loan deal (according to Transfermarkt) on the final day of the transfer window. With no purchase option included in the agreement, the forward is set to return to Chelsea, where he is unlikely to fit into Enzo Maresca’s plans.
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What’s next for AC Milan?
Milan’s European hopes were dashed following their Champions League elimination at the hands of Feyenoord, a major setback in their 2024-25 campaign. In Serie A, Fonseca’s departure in December came when Milan were eighth in the table, far from the European qualification spots. After 11 games under Conceicao, the Rossoneri now sit ninth, eight points behind fourth place.
With their Champions League campaign over and their league hopes fading, Milan’s last chance for silverware lies in the Coppa Italia. The Rossoneri will face Inter Milan in the semifinal first leg on April 2nd, with the second leg scheduled for April 23rd. With the final set for May 14th, the domestic cup may represent Milan’s final opportunity to salvage their season.
