The Quest for a New Sporting Director
AC Milan’s management is currently in the midst of a crucial process aimed at appointing a new sporting director, a task that is taking precedence over all other matters. According to Corriere dello Sport, both face-to-face and telephone interviews are ongoing as they strive to reach a final decision. While Igli Tare remains the frontrunner, the club is also considering other candidates, including the highly respected Fabio Paratici. The selection of the new sporting director is not just about filling a vacancy; it is about finding the right individual who can steer the club through a period of significant change. The chosen director will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the squad, making strategic decisions on transfers, and ensuring that the team remains competitive in both domestic and European competitions.
Planning the Summer Mercato
While the focus on the sporting director is paramount, AC Milan is not neglecting its plans for the summer mercato. The club is gearing up for significant changes to the squad, as some players have reached the end of their cycle at the club, while others will be offloaded to make way for fresh talent. The aim is to build a more balanced and competitive team for the 2025-26 season. The current squad analysis indicates a need for targeted reinforcements, particularly in key positions where the existing players are either nearing the end of their contracts or are not performing at the expected level. This strategic approach is designed to ensure that the team is well-prepared to face the challenges of the upcoming season, both in terms of quality and depth.
Targeting Maxim De Cuyper
One of the standout targets for the left flank is Maxim De Cuyper, a 24-year-old Belgian full-back currently playing for Club Brugge. De Cuyper has caught the eye of AC Milan with his impressive performances, combining strong defensive skills with a significant attacking threat. The club has already initiated contacts with the player’s agents to express their interest and reiterate their appreciation for De Cuyper’s talents. His recent goal in the Champions League match against Aston Villa further highlighted his potential and value. Despite the increased competition from other clubs, including Arsenal, West Ham, and Juventus, AC Milan is prepared to go as high as €20m to secure his signature. However, the club is keen to finalize the hiring of the new sporting director before making any decisive moves in the transfer market.
The Theo Hernandez Conundrum
The pursuit of De Cuyper is also linked to the future of Theo Hernandez, whose contract with AC Milan is set to expire in 2026. The French full-back’s form has been inconsistent, and progress on a contract extension has stalled. This situation has put the club in a precarious position, as they risk losing Hernandez on a free transfer next summer. To avoid this, AC Milan needs to find a solution in the coming months. A renewal or a sale in the summer are the only viable options. In January, Como made a €45m bid for Hernandez, an offer that Milan accepted but Hernandez rejected, preferring to stay with the Rossoneri. However, the queue of interested clubs has diminished, and Theo is now focused on finishing the current season strong before evaluating his options in the summer. The club, meanwhile, has a ready solution in De Cuyper if Hernandez’s departure becomes inevitable.
Ensuring Continuity and Vision
The importance of the new sporting director cannot be overstated, especially in the context of the club’s transfer plans. It is essential that the players under consideration, such as De Cuyper, are also of interest to the incoming director. This alignment ensures that the club’s vision and strategy remain consistent and that the new director can hit the ground running. The success of the mercato will depend on the director’s ability to identify and secure the right players who can blend seamlessly with the existing squad. The goal is to build a team that is not only competitive in the short term but also sustainable in the long term. The incoming director will play a crucial role in this process, making key decisions that will shape the future of AC Milan.
A Season of Transition and Opportunity
As AC Milan navigates through the current season, the club is also preparing for a period of transition. The upcoming summer will be pivotal, with significant changes expected to the squad. The club is committed to ensuring that the transition is smooth and that the team remains competitive. The pursuit of Maxim De Cuyper and the potential departure of Theo Hernandez are just two aspects of a broader strategy aimed at building a stronger, more resilient team. The appointment of a new sporting director will be a crucial step in this journey, providing the leadership and vision needed to guide AC Milan towards its goals. The future looks promising, and the club is well-positioned to seize the opportunities that lie ahead.
