Dodi Lukebakio’s goal at San Siro brought an old Milan consideration back into view. Benfica’s Belgian winger, once examined by the Rossoneri during the 2025 summer market, gave the Portuguese side the lead by cutting inside from the right and finishing with his left foot — a familiar move for a player Milan had followed without ever turning interest into a negotiation.
A name considered in the previous summer
- In August 2025, Milan were reshaping their attacking options while pursuing Adrien Rabiot, with the club hoping to reunite the midfielder with Massimiliano Allegri.
- The search for a wide attacker intensified after Conrad Harder did not arrive and Samuel Chukwueze appeared set for Fulham.
- Lukebakio was among the profiles assessed by Milan’s previous management. He had just completed an 11-goal campaign for Sevilla and offered pace, left-footed finishing and the ability to operate in several forward roles.
- No move followed. Rather than join Milan, Lukebakio left Spain in early September and signed a five-year deal with Benfica for around €20 million.
- Benfica set his release clause at €50 million, while Milan chose a different route in the market.
The winger who made his point at San Siro
Against Milan, Lukebakio showed why he had appeared on the club’s shortlist. Bartesaghi was confronted at close range with the winger’s preferred pattern: receiving wide on the right, driving infield and opening up the far-post finish with his natural left foot. That sequence produced Benfica’s opening goal.
At 28, Lukebakio has accumulated a notably varied career. Born in Congo and naturalised for Belgium, he came through Anderlecht’s youth system before playing across Belgium, England, Germany, Spain and Portugal. He has been used as a centre-forward, supporting striker, attacking midfielder and on both flanks, although the right side has become his most recognisable position.
His record suggests that his output in Spain was not an isolated season. He has reached double figures three times in club football: 12 goals for Hertha Berlin, 14 for Fortuna Düsseldorf and 11 for Sevilla. For Belgium, he has recorded 33 appearances and six goals.
A missed possibility rather than a lost deal
Lukebakio was never on the verge of becoming a Milan player, and the club’s enquiry did not develop into a concrete operation. Still, his display carried the small irony that often follows a long season: a player considered in one transfer window returned to San Siro in another shirt, using precisely the qualities that had first made him appealing.
For Benfica, the move has added an experienced attacker capable of stretching matches and carrying a goal threat. For Milan, it was a reminder of a market option studied, then left behind.
