While the final details of Ruben Amorim’s arrival on the bench are being ironed out, AC Milan is simultaneously working to rebuild its management structure. And the hottest name right now is Markus Krösche, currently head of football operations at Eintracht Frankfurt.
Who Is Markus Krösche and Why Milan Want Him
German, 45 years old, Krösche is widely regarded as one of the sharpest sporting directors in Europe. The nickname he has earned in the industry says it all: “the king of profit transfers”. His methodology is rooted in data, algorithms, big data and advanced software for identifying raw talent or players ready to bounce back after difficult spells.
The results speak for themselves. During his stints at RB Leipzig and Eintracht Frankfurt, Krösche engineered some remarkable transfer operations. Among the most notable:
- Kolasinac, signed on a free and sold for around €95 million;
- Marquinhos, also acquired at no cost and sold to Paris Saint-Germain for around €75 million;
- Koundé, signed for €30 million and sold to Liverpool for €95 million;
- Pació, bought for €13 million and sold to PSG for €40 million.
At Leipzig he also developed players such as Christopher Nkunku, Dani Olmo and Christoph Baumgartner — names that command respect across European football.
The Agreement Between Cardinale and Krösche: Where Things Stand
According to reports, a personal agreement between Jerry Cardinale and Krösche already exists. The remaining sticking point is the compensation fee required to release him from Eintracht Frankfurt, where the German executive is still under contract. Negotiations are at an advanced stage and a resolution appears imminent.
As reported in recent weeks, Krösche is expected to take the role of Technical Director, with oversight of the entire football department.
Timmo Hardung as Sporting Director: The German Tandem
Alongside Krösche, Timmo Hardung is also expected to join the club. At just 36 years old, Hardung is an emerging figure in European football management. He has worked closely with Krösche at Eintracht Frankfurt and is thoroughly familiar with his methods and philosophy. Their established synergy is a genuine asset for Milan.
The picture of the new Rossoneri leadership is becoming increasingly clear: a predominantly German technical structure paired with a Portuguese coach on the bench — an international blend that reflects the vision of RedBird Capital Partners and founder Jerry Cardinale for the club’s future.
The RedBird Model: Profit Transfers, Data and Talent Development
The project taking shape at Casa Milan has a defined philosophy: identify undervalued talent, develop it and sell at a premium, generating significant capital gains. A model akin to the so-called Moneyball approach, already widely discussed in connection with RedBird’s strategy.
This does not mean sacrificing competitiveness — it means building a sustainable, well-structured club capable of producing quality football while also maximising the value of its assets. With Krösche running the market and Amorim on the touchline, the foundations for a high-level 2026/27 season are firmly in place.
