Ahead of the opening weekend of the 2026/27 Serie A season, the league published the updated shirt numbers for Milan's registered players. Four familiar names were notably absent from the list: Fikayo Tomori, Youssouf Fofana, Christopher Nkunku and Santiago Giménez.
Their numbers 23, 19, 18 and 7 respectively have been left vacant.
While the absence of a shirt number does not legally mean a player has left the club, the situation becomes far more significant when combined with reports that all four players are training separately from the main squad.
For Amorim, this looks increasingly like the first major step in reshaping Milan according to his own ideas.
Fikayo Tomori: The Defender Who No Longer Fits?
Tomori is arguably the biggest surprise among the four.
The English centre-back has been an important figure at Milan for several seasons, but Amorim's system requires defenders with specific qualities.
In a 3-4-2-1, the three centre-backs are heavily involved in build-up play while also having to defend large spaces when the team pushes forward.
Tomori's future therefore appears to be one of the clearest decisions Amorim has made.
With his No.23 shirt now vacant and his name absent from the Serie A list, the message from Milan is difficult to ignore.
Youssouf Fofana: A Midfielder Overtaken by the New Project
Fofana's exclusion is particularly interesting from a tactical perspective.
The French midfielder was previously an important part of Milan's midfield, but Amorim appears to have prioritised other options for his system.
The presence of players such as Ardon Jashari, Samuele Ricci, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Yunus Musah gives Amorim different profiles to construct his midfield.
Fofana's No.19 is now vacant, suggesting that he is no longer considered an essential piece of the new project.
Christopher Nkunku: The Most Interesting Case
Nkunku might be the most intriguing name on the list.
On paper, his versatility should make him useful in Amorim's system. He can operate behind the striker, attack spaces between the lines and contribute in the final third.
However, Amorim appears to have decided that other players are more suitable for his attacking structure.
Recent reports have linked Nkunku with a possible return to RB Leipzig, while Milan are reportedly willing to facilitate his departure.
His No.18 being left vacant is therefore another strong indication that the Frenchman is outside Amorim's immediate plans.
Santiago Giménez: The Biggest Question Mark
Giménez is perhaps the most complicated case.
Unlike the other three, his absence from the squad list does not necessarily mean Milan have completely given up on him. He recently recovered from the ankle injury suffered at the World Cup and is now training separately.
However, the fact that his No.7 shirt has also been left vacant is telling.
Reports indicate that Milan and Porto are still discussing a possible transfer, although an agreement has not yet been reached.
So, while Giménez remains a Milan player for now, his future at San Siro looks increasingly uncertain.
What Does This Say About Amorim's Milan?
The four cases tell us something important about the new coach.
Amorim is not simply changing Milan's formation from one system to another. He is changing the type of player he wants inside the squad.
Tomori, Fofana, Nkunku and Giménez all have different profiles, yet they currently share the same problem:
They are not part of the Serie A squad registered for the opening weekend.
And that is much more significant than a simple transfer rumour.
Of course, the list is not permanently closed. Milan can still assign numbers later if any of the four remain at the club.
But for now, the message is clear.
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