AC Milan’s winter recruitment drive was a gamble—one designed to steady a turbulent season while keeping Champions League ambitions alive. With the campaign now deep into its latter half, verdicts on key January arrivals are emerging. Kyle Walker is set to remain in red and black, while Joao Felix’s spell is fading into disappointment, with Chelsea preparing to welcome him back, suggest reports from Gazzetta dello Sport.
Walker’s Experience Wins Milan Over
“The verdicts are easy to guess. Walker will continue in red and black, thanks to a list of qualities that are difficult to find all together in the—small—sum to be paid to redeem him.”
It’s not often a club secures an experienced, trophy-laden full-back for just £5 million, but Milan and Manchester City’s agreement gives the Rossoneri exactly that. Walker, despite turning 35 in May, has proven himself to be a reliable presence in an otherwise inconsistent team. The questions surrounding his fitness and longevity were valid in January, but with Milan now seemingly committed to activating their purchase option, Walker’s impact is undeniable.
His transition to Serie A has been seamless. While some players struggle to adapt to new tactical environments, Walker’s intelligence and experience have allowed him to thrive. His leadership has been vital, and although Milan’s season has been riddled with difficulties, his performances have been among the few consistent positives.
Crucially, Walker himself has embraced the challenge. “Despite the collective torments of the Devil, Kyle assures those close to him that the impact with Milan and with Milan has been very good.” That sentiment, paired with the club’s need for reliable defensive options, makes his redemption a no-brainer.
Joao Felix’s Bright Start Fades Into Disappointment
On the other end of the spectrum sits Joao Felix, whose Milan adventure is ending not with a flourish, but with frustration. Initially hailed as a transformative signing—“a super moon: big, bright, fascinating”—his impact fizzled out almost as quickly as it arrived.
He dazzled in his early weeks, bringing back excitement to a restless Milan fanbase. His technical brilliance, close control, and ability to create something from nothing made him an immediate fan favourite. “In the first two weeks, Joao had the power to revitalise a depressed crowd.
But that magic proved short-lived. His performances dipped, mirroring the struggles that have defined his career since leaving Benfica. At Chelsea, at Atletico Madrid, and now at Milan, Felix’s inconsistency remains his biggest flaw. The initial optimism surrounding a potential permanent move has evaporated.
The financial reality is just as damning. Milan would need over £40 million to keep Felix beyond the summer—funds that could be better spent elsewhere. “Chelsea let him leave for Milan on a dry loan, and will welcome him back in June.” For Milan, the decision is clear. Felix will return to Stamford Bridge, his time in Serie A amounting to little more than another chapter in his increasingly nomadic career.
Milan’s Mixed January Gamble
RedBird’s winter investment had a clear aim—strengthening the squad to ensure Milan remained competitive in Europe. But while Walker’s experience has justified the club’s trust, Felix’s fleeting impact has only reinforced concerns about his long-term future at the highest level.
“Thumbs up and thumbs down, San Siro like the Colosseum.” Milan’s mid-season reinforcements have received their verdict. Walker stays. Felix goes. A tale of two players with vastly different impacts, and ultimately, vastly different destinies.
For Milan fans, the outcome of these January signings is both encouraging and frustrating. On one hand, Walker’s continued presence is a much-needed boost. He offers experience, leadership, and reliability—qualities Milan desperately need to stabilise their defence. Given the affordability of the deal, it’s a smart piece of business.
However, the disappointment surrounding Felix’s failure to make a lasting impression is undeniable. His early weeks showed his immense potential, but as has been the case throughout his career, consistency remains elusive. Chelsea may still find a buyer willing to gamble on his undeniable talent, but Milan will not be that club.
From a neutral perspective, this highlights the risk of mid-season signings. Some thrive, others fail, but the impact of these decisions can shape a club’s trajectory. For Milan, ensuring they get their summer recruitment right is now paramount.
