Loftus-Cheek considering Milan exit in January to boost England World Cup chances

Ruben Loftus-Cheek former Chelsea player is considering leaving AC Milan in the January transfer window as he seeks more regular football ahead of the 2026 World Cup. According to reports in Italy, the midfielder fears that a lack of minutes under Massimiliano Allegri could harm his chances of being selected in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the tournament.

The 29-year-old has been a useful squad player at San Siro this season, deployed in multiple roles and even filling in briefly as an attacking midfielder in a 3-5-2 during Rafael Leão’s absence. But despite a strong start to the campaign — and an England call-up in October — Loftus-Cheek has struggled to secure consistent starting opportunities.

Milan strengthened heavily in midfield during the summer, adding Luka Modrić, Adrien Rabiot and Samuele Ricci, pushing Loftus-Cheek further down the pecking order. He started all of Milan’s first three league matches this season but has since started just one of their last 11.

With Milan out of Europe and eliminated from the Coppa Italia, Serie A is the only competition remaining — offering limited rotation opportunities. As a result, the Englishman is now evaluating whether a winter exit could provide the guaranteed minutes he needs ahead of the World Cup.

Calciomercato.com claim Loftus-Cheek is “seriously considering” a January departure in order to protect his England prospects.

Napoli may offer an immediate solution. The Serie A champions are suffering a midfield injury crisis, with Kevin De Bruyne, Stanislav Lobotka, André-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Billy Gilmour all sidelined. A short-term deal for Loftus-Cheek could suit both parties.

There were also summer links with Lazio, though it remains unclear whether they intend to re-enter the race. Meanwhile, Premier League clubs have made “initial enquiries”, and the Bundesliga is reportedly another possible destination.

For Loftus-Cheek, what matters most is minutes — and Allegri has been unable to offer them regularly.

In our view, Loftus-Cheek wanting to leave Milan in January questions points toward an increasingly likely outcome: a winter transfer or loan makes sense. Although some Milan fans value Loftus-Cheek’s versatility, the nuance is that Allegri has built his midfield around tactical precision, two-way runners and positional discipline — areas where Modrić, Rabiot and Ricci excel.

Loftus-Cheek’s best form has always come with regular minutes and licence to drive forward. At Milan, he is a rotational piece; elsewhere, he could become a guaranteed starter as he fights for an England place.

From covering World Cup-year market trends, players in his position almost always push for moves — and clubs rarely stand in their way.

Milan value his depth and may resist losing another midfielder mid-season. But player motivation typically wins out, especially when international selection is at stake.

Thomas Tuchel’s England squad will be brutally competitive in midfield, with Jude Bellingham, Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice, Phil Foden, and Eberechi Eze all vying for roles. Loftus-Cheek cannot rely on past reputation. He must play — regularly and well.

A January move may not guarantee selection, but staying put almost certainly rules him out.

Milan will assess potential offers as January approaches, but Loftus-Cheek’s desire for game time could drive negotiations. If Napoli formalise their interest, a move could happen quickly — and help keep the midfielder’s England dream alive.

👉 England fans — should Tuchel consider Loftus-Cheek if he secures a January move?