AC Milan Fans Debate the Ideal Academy Graduate Return: Bellanova, Donnarumma, Locatelli and More

FolioPitch.com – 19 July 2026 | The debate over which academy graduate should return to AC Milan has been reignited following Mattia Liberali’s departure. In a recent podcast episode, the crew tackled the question head-on, exploring the merits of several former youth players. The discussion, titled ‘Bellanova Donnarumma Locatelli and more Naming the ideal academy-graduate return,’ highlighted the tough choices Milan face as they look to bolster their squad without breaking the bank.

The timing is apt: Liberali, a promising talent, chose to join Como after a stint at Catanzaro, snubbing Milan for a second time. This prompted the podcast team—Oliver, Ahmed, and Anthony—to ponder which ex-academy player they would most like to bring back, assuming the same salary as now. Their consensus? Manuel Locatelli, now at Juventus, emerged as the top pick. But the conversation also touched on several other names, including Raoul Bellanova, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and more, making the ‘Bellanova Donnarumma Locatelli and more Naming the ideal academy-graduate return’ a rich topic for analysis.

Oliver initially floated Donnarumma, but quickly dismissed him given Mike Maignan’s presence. Ahmed concurred, noting there was no point. When pressed for a non-cop-out answer, Oliver suggested Jorgen Strand Larsen as a backup striker, surprising Ahmed who had forgotten about him. However, the midfield question led Oliver to reluctantly mention Locatelli. Anthony agreed, admitting it was probably the best choice despite personal reservations. Ahmed was emphatic: ‘Locatelli is one of the best players in the league. He’s the right answer. Him more than Cristante? 1000%. Last season, Locatelli played to the level of the best midfielders in the world, I’m not joking. If we could sign him, he would be perfect.’

Ahmed then expanded the list, adding Colombo, Daniel Maldini, and crucially, Raoul Bellanova. ‘We could do worse than Bellanova, because he actually fits the system,’ he said. The full list also included Donnarumma again, Pobega, Cutrone, and even current Milan captain Davide Calabria. This array of options underscores the depth of talent that has passed through Milan’s academy, now scattered across Italy and Europe. The ‘Bellanova Donnarumma Locatelli and more Naming the ideal academy-graduate return’ conversation thus serves as a window into Milan’s past and potential future.

Locatelli, now 26, left Milan in 2018 after failing to break into the first team. He blossomed at Sassuolo before earning a big move to Juventus. His defensive acumen, passing range, and leadership have made him one of Serie A’s top midfielders. The podcast crew’s unanimous agreement highlights how his development has turned him into a player who could immediately slot into Stefano Pioli’s system—or that of a future coach. Similarly, Bellanova, a pacy full-back, has impressed at Cagliari and Torino, offering width and energy that would fit Milan’s tactical needs.

Yet with high wages and transfer fees, bringing back such players is unrealistic. The podcast acknowledged this constraint, hence the ‘same salary’ condition. Still, the exercise illuminates the academy graduates who could have been key pieces in Milan’s resurgence. The ‘Bellanova Donnarumma Locatelli and more Naming the ideal academy-graduate return’ theme also touches on emotional what-ifs: What if Donnarumma had stayed? What if Locatelli had been given more chances?

Ultimately, the discussion confirmed that Locatelli is the most complete answer, but Bellanova offers a strong alternative for the right flank. The podcast concluded that while Liberali’s exit stings, Milan have a track record of players flourishing elsewhere. For now, the focus remains on the current squad and future signings, but the ideal academy graduate return remains a tantalizing prospect for Rossoneri fans.