Tier 2 development: The RedBird restructuring

As of June 15, 2026, AC Milan is finalizing a pivot to redefine its leadership structure. Gerry Cardinale has reportedly identified Eintracht Frankfurt director Markus Krösche and his assistant, Jan Hardung, as the architects for the new project. According to reports from Matteo Moretto, an agreement in principle has been reached to bring the pair to San Siro.

The move is a clear attempt to inject a Bundesliga-style scouting and recruitment model into Serie A. Krösche is viewed as a high-performing operator, valued for his ability to identify talent on a sustainable budget. His arrival would signal a departure from the recent internal friction that has haunted the Milan boardroom.

The friction at the top

Despite the optimism linked to the deal, the process hit a public snag when Eintracht Frankfurt chairman Philip Holzer openly denied any formal contact with the Italian club. Holzer insisted there are zero signs pointing toward a resignation.

This is standard late-stage negotiation theater. Boards rarely admit to losing key staff until the paperwork is fully executed. However, Krösche’s demands to Cardinale were non-negotiable from the start: he wants total authority over the sporting department and a significant influence on the summer window.

Tactical fit and the Amorim connection

The sporting ambition here extends beyond the front office. Cardinale is reportedly pairing the Krösche appointment with the pursuit of Ruben Amorim as manager, as noted by Corriere dello Sport. This would be a high-risk, high-reward strategy for a club struggling to maintain consistency.

The critical concern for Milan fans is culture clash. Bringing a German director who prioritizes efficiency and strict scouting hierarchies into the chaotic political atmosphere of Serie A is a gamble. If the alignment between Krösche’s vision and Cardinale’s budget expectations slips, the project will fold before the first UEFA Champions League fixture is played.

Probability and outlook

This transfer story is currently at a 75% probability of completion. The consensus among outlets like Moretto suggests the deal is past the points of no return, despite the public corporate posturing from Frankfurt.

Expect an official announcement or a resignation trigger within the next 10 days. The immediate impact will be felt in the transfer market, as the current Milan roster is expected to undergo a tactical reshuffle to match the high-press, data-heavy preference of this incoming leadership team. Bringing in a director while the club remains at a crossroads shows desperation—they need this to be a hit immediately.