Matteo Gabbia has successfully completed his loan transfer to Spanish dark horses Villarreal after exiting the Rossoneri’s United States pre-season tour. His temporary spell in eastern Spain will function as a simple loan, meaning there is no option or obligation to buy involved. Talks for the defender were held as Milan struck an agreement for Samuel Chukwueze from Villarreal.
An official statement by Milan confirmed Villarreal’s acquisition of Gabbia on a one-season loan until the summer of 2024. The Italy U21 center-back leaves the Rossoneri due to the lack of playing time under Stefano Pioli, having appeared just 17 times last season, racking up 895 minutes of action.
The Milan youth product left the team’s camp in America to fly to Spain to complete his medical examination and finalize his transfer, before which he spoke to the press.
“I’m very happy with this new experience in Spain, I’m sorry to leave a fantastic squad. I wish the best to all the staff, my teammates and the fans. I’m very enthusiastic about my new experience, I couldn’t not accept it. They immediately motivated me so much.”
The loan operation for Gabbia does not in any way relate to Chukwueze’s transfer to Milan from the Yellow Submarines.
