Milan’s Swift Mercato Moves Signal End of Transfer Soap Operas, Says Longoni

FolioPitch.com – 05 July 2026 | AC Milan have left their days of protracted transfer negotiations behind, with journalist Andrea Longoni noting that the club’s surprising mercato shift marks a departure from the soap operas that once defined their summer windows. Longoni Milan have left soap operas behind amid surprising mercato shift, as the Rossoneri have quickly secured two key signings before the start of pre-season, a stark contrast to recent years when deals dragged into late August.

The early capture of Portuguese striker Goncalo Ramos from Benfica, followed by the imminent arrival of Spanish defender Mario Gila from Real Madrid, demonstrates a new efficiency under the club’s management. Longoni highlighted in his editorial for MilanNews that the shift is not just about speed but also about a change in approach—including a willingness to pay agent commissions, which was previously a sticking point under Giorgio Furlani’s leadership. This is a clear example of how Longoni Milan have left soap operas behind amid surprising mercato shift, focusing instead on providing the head coach with the tools needed for success.

According to Longoni, the discretion and pace of the transfers have been surprising. “It’s surprising how, after so many years, Milan are managing the transfer market with such discretion, aiming to provide the chef (the head coach). This should be natural for a football club, but hasn’t been seen in recent times at Casa Milan,” he wrote. He also noted the significant sums invested in transfer fees, salaries, and even commissions, all without the prolonged negotiations that often turned into public sagas. Indeed, Longoni Milan have left soap operas behind amid surprising mercato shift, and the early closure of deals sets a positive tone for the season ahead.

The club’s strategy this summer appears to be a direct response to last season’s struggles, where late arrivals disrupted team cohesion. By securing a top striker and a promising defender before pre-season, Milan is giving new signings time to integrate and build chemistry. However, Longoni cautioned that the true test will come on September 1st, when the transfer window closes. “Whether this will be a fresh start or a temporary improvement will be decided on September 1st, once the transfer window has closed,” he said.

This newfound efficiency is a welcome relief for fans who endured years of drawn-out negotiations—often referred to as “soap operas”—that sometimes ended in disappointment. Under previous regimes, Milan frequently pursued high-profile targets only to lose them to rivals or run out of time. The current management, led by Geoffrey Moncada and Antonio D’Ottavio, has adopted a more pragmatic approach, identifying key targets early and moving decisively.

Goncalo Ramos arrives with a reputation as a clinical finisher, having impressed at Benfica and on the international stage with Portugal. His signing addresses a long-standing need for a dependable goal-scorer. Meanwhile, Mario Gila, a versatile centre-back, bolsters a defense that struggled with injuries last season. Both players are under 25, fitting Milan’s policy of investing in young talent with high potential.

The willingness to pay agent commissions marks a significant policy shift. In previous windows, Milan lost out on several targets because of rigid refusal to pay fees, but the new management recognizes that in today’s market, commissions are often unavoidable. This flexibility has allowed the club to execute deals swiftly.

While the early activity has been praised, some caution that the real work lies ahead. Milan still needs depth in midfield and possibly a backup right-back. The departure of key players like Sandro Tonali has left gaps that need filling. However, the foundation is solid, and the club’s direction is clear.

In conclusion, AC Milan’s rapid and discreet moves in the transfer window represent a decisive break from the past. The phrase “Longoni Milan have left soap operas behind amid surprising mercato shift” encapsulates the transformation. If the trend continues, Milan could enjoy a more stable and successful season, but only time will tell if this new approach yields trophies.