AC Milan Transfer Target Archie Brown Lined Up for Theo Exit

AC Milan transfer plans have accelerated this week as club directors opened formal dialogue with KAA Gent and the representatives of English left-back Archie Brown, identifying the 21-year-old as the leading replacement should Theo Hernandez complete his widely reported move to Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal.

Why AC Milan transfer focus shifts to Archie Brown

The latest AC Milan transfer window strategy is driven by two intertwined factors: Hernandez’s potential €60 million departure and the Rossoneri’s commitment to lowering the squad’s average age. Brown, a tall, attack-minded full-back who cost Gent just €3 million from Lausanne-Sport last summer, fits perfectly into Paolo Scaroni and Geoffrey Moncada’s blueprint of buying undervalued talent before their breakout moment.

Profile: Who is Archie Brown?

Born in Birmingham, Brown came through Derby County’s academy before taking the brave step of moving to Switzerland at 18. Quick acceleration, a 1.90 m frame and a cultured left foot quickly made him a standout in the Swiss Super League. His switch to Gent in 2023 has only enhanced his reputation; in 34 matches he has produced three goals, six assists and an 83 percent pass-completion rate. England’s youth set-up took note early, handing him six U-20 caps, and senior recognition is widely tipped to follow if the AC Milan transfer materialises.

Theo Hernandez and the Saudi temptation

Milan’s hierarchy insist they want Hernandez to stay, yet Al Hilal’s reported €18 million salary offer dwarfs anything on offer at San Siro. While Stefano Pioli publicly states that the France star is “untouchable,” club insiders concede that every player has a price under the current self-sustaining model. Selling now, at close to peak value, funds multiple AC Milan transfer reinforcements and keeps the balance sheet healthy.

Negotiation landscape

Transfer fee and contract situation

Gent value Brown at around €18-20 million after just one season in Belgium, but Milan believe a structured deal with bonuses can bring the figure closer to €15 million. The player earns barely €750,000 per year, so a five-year package worth €1.8 million annually would still sit comfortably within the Rossoneri wage scale.

Competition for Brown’s signature

Premier League scouts from Brentford and Brighton have tracked Brown, while Borussia Dortmund’s data department flagged him months ago. Milan are banking on the prestige of Serie A and guaranteed minutes to win the race, but swift action is essential or risk an auction. The urgency adds another layer to the AC Milan transfer mission.

Tactical fit at San Siro

Pioli’s 4-2-3-1 relies on width from full-backs. Brown’s overlapping runs, early crosses and willingness to invert into midfield echo Hernandez’s best traits. His aerial reach would also bolster Milan’s set-piece record, an area of weakness last season. Crucially, Brown’s defensive positioning has improved in Belgium, alleviating concerns that he is merely a winger stationed deeper.

Financial ramifications of an AC Milan transfer reshuffle

Selling Hernandez for north of €55 million and replacing him with Brown at roughly a third of the cost generates a significant capital gain. That surplus can be reinvested in a new striker and a holding midfielder, two priorities identified by Pioli after narrowly missing out on the Scudetto. The model mirrors the successful sales of Sandro Tonali and Franck Kessié, where outgoing stars funded multiple arrivals without collapsing competitiveness.

Youth strategy continues

Since RedBird’s takeover, the club has leaned heavily into data-led scouting and elite development coaching. The potential AC Milan transfer of Archie Brown is another brick in that wall, following the acquisitions of Malick Thiaw, Tijjani Reijnders and Noah Okafor. This under-23 core is designed to peak together while preserving resale value.

Potential domino effects

Should Brown arrive, youngster Davide Bartesaghi may seek a loan, and veteran Alessandro Florenzi could be shifted permanently to the right flank. Conversely, if Hernandez opts to stay, Milan might still pursue Brown as depth, allowing the Frenchman to push higher upfield in select matches, a tweak Pioli experimented with last term.

Our View

Archie Brown ticks every box Milan’s recruitment team prizes: physicality, upside and resale potential. While replacing a proven world-class full-back like Hernandez is daunting, Brown’s ceiling suggests he can evolve into Milan’s next jewel. The key will be completing the AC Milan transfer quickly, before richer Premier League suitors move the goalposts.