Warren Bondo Excluded from Milan’s Pre-Season Squad as Permanent Move Looms

FolioPitch.com – 12 July 2026 | AC Milan‘s pre-season preparations have taken an interesting turn with the exclusion of midfielder Warren Bondo from the initial squad. According to reports, the decision is not based on performance or fitness issues but rather signals an imminent permanent departure. The phrase “Longo Bondo excluded from Milan s initial pre-season squad the reason” encapsulates the core of this story, as journalist Daniele Longo has shed light on the rationale behind the club’s move.

Bondo, who spent last season on loan at Cremonese, failed to make a significant impact and the team’s relegation from Serie A ended any hopes of a permanent transfer to the club. With his future at Milanello uncertain, a meeting was held at Casa Milan to discuss his fate. The outcome was clear: Bondo will not be part of Ruben Amorim‘s plans for the upcoming season. Instead, he will train individually with a fitness coach while his agents seek a new club.

This exclusion underscores a broader strategy by Milan to streamline their squad. Amorim, the new head coach, is keen to focus on players who can contribute immediately, even if only in a rotational capacity. Bondo, at 22, is still young but has not convinced the coaching staff that he deserves a spot. The “Longo Bondo excluded from Milan s initial pre-season squad the reason” narrative highlights how quickly decisions are made in modern football, especially when a player’s trajectory does not align with the club’s vision.

Bondo’s situation is a classic example of a loan move gone wrong. After joining Milan in 2021 from Brentford, he was sent to Cremonese to gain experience. However, Cremonese struggled throughout the campaign, and Bondo’s performances were underwhelming. With the club relegated, the option to buy was not triggered. Now, Milan is eager to offload him permanently, and his exclusion from pre-season is a clear message to potential buyers.

The decision also reflects the influence of Daniele Longo, a respected journalist who has closely followed Milan’s transfer dealings. His report confirms that the club has already made up its mind about Bondo’s future. The “Longo Bondo excluded from Milan s initial pre-season squad the reason” phrase thus serves as a succinct summary of the entire saga. It is a reminder that pre-season squads are not just about fitness but often signal deeper intentions.

For Milan, this move allows them to focus on other priorities. The club is actively looking to strengthen in midfield, and freeing up a squad place and wages could facilitate new signings. Bondo, meanwhile, will have to find a club where he can revive his career. Several Serie B and lower-tier teams have been linked, but nothing concrete has emerged yet.

From a tactical standpoint, Amorim’s approach is understandable. He wants to assess the core group that will form the backbone of his team. Players like Sandro Tonali, Ismaël Bennacer, and new signing Yunus Musah are expected to lead the midfield, leaving little room for Bondo. The exclusion also spares Bondo from the awkwardness of training with the squad only to be left out of matchday squads.

In conclusion, Warren Bondo’s exclusion from Milan’s pre-season squad is a calculated decision driven by the need to move on. The “Longo Bondo excluded from Milan s initial pre-season squad the reason” story serves as a case study in how clubs handle players who are no longer in their plans. As the summer transfer window progresses, all eyes will be on where Bondo ends up next. For Milan, it’s a step toward building a leaner, more focused squad under Ruben Amorim’s guidance.