In a twist that’s turning heads across Serie A, veteran striker Ciro Immobile has reportedly taken matters into his own hands by directly offering his services to AC Milan, aiming to take the spot of the soon-departing Luka Jovic. According to a report from Corriere della Sera via Il Garante, Immobile reached out to Milan’s sporting director Igli Tare, proposing himself as a potential reinforcement for the Rossoneri ahead of the 2025 campaign.
Jovic, who began the 2024–25 season as Milan’s third-choice striker, clawed his way up the pecking order with a series of surprisingly strong performances during the second half of the season. Despite that late surge, the Serbian’s contract is set to expire this summer—and sources close to the club suggest there’s little indication of a renewal. Milan are reportedly preparing for life without Jovic, who has attracted interest from abroad, with Cruz Azul among the clubs circling.
Enter Immobile.
At 35, the former Lazio talisman may no longer be in his physical prime, but his numbers from the most recent season speak volumes. While playing for Turkish side Besiktas, Immobile found the net 19 times in 41 appearances, proving he still has a sharp eye for goal. More importantly, being Italian, he would contribute to the squad’s domestic player quota, a factor Milan’s management must consider due to UEFA regulations.
A source close to the situation revealed, “Immobile personally contacted Tare, expressing his desire to return to Serie A and take up the striker role Jovic is about to vacate.” While the offer is bold, it’s not outlandish. Immobile has consistently been a prolific scorer in Italy and could bring invaluable experience and leadership to a relatively young Milan attacking unit.
Financially, the move could be smart for Milan. With Jovic commanding a high wage, bringing in Immobile on what’s expected to be a significantly lower salary could free up resources for other targets. That said, the complication lies in Immobile’s contractual situation. He still has one year left on his deal with Besiktas, and Milan would likely not be willing to pay anything more than a nominal transfer fee for a player of his age. Any potential deal would hinge on whether the Turkish side is willing to part ways for minimal compensation—or perhaps release him outright.
While Milan fans may feel conflicted about the idea of signing a 35-year-old, the footballing logic behind it is clear. Immobile has a proven goal-scoring record, would slot in seamlessly from a squad registration standpoint, and could serve as a short-term solution while Milan scouts for a younger long-term replacement.
The move would also mark an emotional return to Italian football for Immobile, whose tenure with Lazio saw him win the Capocannoniere (Serie A top scorer) multiple times. His unexpected pitch to Milan could be interpreted as a final chance to compete at the highest level in his home country—potentially even a swan song at the iconic San Siro.
So far, neither Milan nor Tare has publicly commented on Immobile’s offer. But as one insider put it, “It’s a proposal that could make sense for all parties if the numbers add up. The question is whether Milan is ready to bet on experience over long-term potential again.”
With transfer season heating up and Jovic’s exit seemingly imminent, all eyes are now on Milan’s next move. Will they bite on Immobile’s self-invitation, or turn to younger alternatives on the market?
One thing’s for sure—this development has fans buzzing and social media ablaze.