In January, Milan had the opportunity to transfer Strahinja Pavlovic for a significant sum of money, but the front office ultimately decided he should stay as well, according to Calciomercato, even if certain discussions broke down due to the player's desire. Early in January, Fenerbahce made a play for the Serb defender. They provided a loan with a buyout option that would have been more than Milan had to pay Red Bull Salzburg. The suitors pushed hard to get Milan Skriniar since the centre-back wasn't very excited about the transfer.

When Crystal Palace made a €28 million offer for Pavlovic in the closing days of the transfer window, Milan would have been able to record an unexpected "plusvalenza" after just six months. Senior advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic, a supporter of the player, disagreed with the concept, though. Sergio Conceiçao, the coach, is no different.