AC Milan’s leadership vacuum: 16 days in, still no appointments announced
Tuesday, June 10, 2026. It has been exactly sixteen days since the sweeping shake-up of May 25th, when the ownership decided to dismiss the entire management team and head coach in one fell swoop. Yet, more than two weeks on, AC Milan still has no CEO, no sporting director, no technical director and no head coach. A situation that is truly without parallel in European football.
Time is ticking and the real risk is that the Rossoneri lose precious ground on their rivals. The facts speak for themselves: Juventus, Inter and Napoli are already active in the transfer market, backed by functioning sporting structures. Milan, on the other hand, is still in the process of rebuilding from scratch.
An unprecedented situation in Italian football
There is no recent precedent in Serie A — and arguably in Europe — for a club of Milan’s stature facing its most pivotal summer in years without a single key figure in place. Next season includes participation in the Europa League — a demanding commitment with Thursday fixtures every week — alongside the league and Coppa Italia. A packed schedule that demands a squad of at least 24–25 players and meticulous planning.
For weeks, the Rossoneri’s transfer market has been frozen and players are waiting for answers about their futures. Who renews? Who leaves? Who arrives? Questions that will remain unanswered until a proper structure is in place to handle negotiations.
A squad that needs rebuilding: renewals, departures and returning loanees
There are multiple pressing issues on the squad front. The key ones include:
- Rafael Leão: the Portuguese winger has effectively placed himself on the market and his departure looks increasingly likely. The situation needs to be managed carefully, balancing sporting needs with maximising the player’s transfer value.
- Adrien Rabiot: the French midfielder is under the watchful eye of France manager Didier Deschamps, who has stated he hopes the player’s club situation is resolved before the World Cup begins, so he can focus solely on the tournament. The matter will most likely be resolved in July.
- Mike Maignan: the French national team goalkeeper also does not appear convinced about staying at Milan next season, adding further uncertainty between the posts.
- Fikayo Tomori, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Youssouf Fofana: other players whose futures hang in the balance, largely dependent on the new coach’s tactical vision and the incoming sporting director’s strategy.
- Christopher Nkunku and Santiago Gimenez: the attack is also unsettled. One of the two could leave the club, with Lazio reportedly interested in Gimenez.
The Ibrahimović factor and uncertain governance
Meanwhile, Zlatan Ibrahimović has flown to the United States to cover the World Cup as a commentator and pundit. He is physically absent from Milan, yet his influence on club decisions has not stopped: phone calls, contacts with agents, remote meetings. The former Swedish striker remains a key reference point for owner Gerry Cardinale, even though his institutional role continues to raise questions among supporters.
The operational management of the club, in this transitional phase, appears to rest with figures who come from worlds far removed from professional football — making the appointment of competent technical figures all the more urgent.
Optimism and responsibility: Milan will find a way
AC Milan has navigated far more turbulent waters throughout its history and has always emerged stronger. Trust in the club and its ownership remains firm, but it is equally true that every day that passes is one less day to plan for an already packed season. The hope — and conviction — is that in the coming hours, the first piece of the new Rossoneri structure will finally be announced, setting in motion an ambitious and far-sighted rebuild.
Milan’s potential is enormous. With the right people in the right roles, the revival can be swift and convincing. The fans are ready to back the team regardless — now it is up to the club to provide concrete answers.
