Milan’s preparations for the Europa League trip to Salzburg have begun with a familiar need for response. The draw against Sassuolo left the Rossoneri looking for a quicker turn of the page, and the work at Milanello has also brought Warren Bondo back into the first-team group.
The coach and the club
Bondo trained with the squad for the first time after Milan reversed the decision to leave him out of the group in July. The 23-year-old midfielder submitted a formal request for reinstatement, and the club acted in order to avoid any legal dispute.
His return to training does not yet create an immediate selection option for Ruben Amorim. Bondo was omitted from both Milan’s Serie A and European lists, meaning he cannot take part in an official match before the winter transfer window opens on 28 December.
The months before then will be an opportunity for the former Monza player to work alongside the squad and make his case to Amorim for a place from January. Should the Portuguese coach decide that Bondo does not feature in his plans, the player’s representatives will seek a new club during the winter window.
- Bondo joined Milan in January 2025.
- After failing to establish himself, he spent the whole of last season on loan at Cremonese.
- He was excluded from Milan’s group in July, having turned down offers from clubs in France and the Saudi Arabian league during the summer.
- Following his formal request, Milan have now restored him to first-team training.
A place to regain
Bondo’s situation remains unresolved despite his reintegration. He is back on the training ground, but not yet on the teamsheet, while Milan’s immediate attention turns to Austria and their Europa League meeting with Salzburg.
For the midfielder, the winter will determine whether Milanello becomes the start of a renewed attempt to earn Amorim’s trust or merely the final stage before another move.
