Sarri Reunion Put On Hold As Milan Rule Out Loftus-Cheek January Exit

Maurizio Sarri’s search for a new midfield option is running into a familiar wall. Ruben Loftus-Cheek remains a name linked to Lazio, but the conditions around the AC Milan midfielder make a winter move to Rome look very difficult.

The first and biggest obstacle is Milan’s stance. Loftus Cheek started the recent away match against Cagliari, a clear sign that Massimiliano Allegri still considers him an important part of the squad. From the opening days of preseason, the message around Milan has been consistent: Allegri values the Englishman and does not want to weaken his midfield in the middle of the season.

That position has been reinforced by reports in Italy suggesting Milan have no intention of opening negotiations for January. In other words, even if Sarri would welcome a reunion with a player he previously helped shine at Chelsea, the decision is not only about the coach. Allegri is now the key factor, and he is keeping the player in Milan.

Then there is the financial side, which is just as heavy. Loftus Cheek’s net salary is reportedly around 4 million euros per season, a figure that would stretch Lazio’s current wage structure and complicate any deal. Even reaching a basic agreement with the player would not solve the main problem, because Lazio would still need to satisfy Milan’s demands.

Milan’s transfer expectations also create another barrier. They paid roughly 19 million euros to sign him from Chelsea and do not appear willing to accept a discounted fee. For Lazio, that price level would be hard to justify in January, especially in a market where every move must be weighed carefully.

So the picture is clear. Sarri may admire the player and may even see him as a good fit, but timing and circumstances are working against Lazio. Loftus Cheek is expected to stay at least for the next few months.

The story could change later. His contract is set to expire at the end of next season, which means Milan will soon face a decision. Either they renew, or they risk reaching a point where a summer exit becomes the more realistic path. For now, though, Lazio’s winter plan appears to be heading elsewhere.