Gerry Cardinale, the 59-year-old owner of RedBird, is taking a more hands-on approach to player recruitment at AC Milan, directly engaging in negotiations after a period of disappointing results and criticism from supporters. This shift in strategy was evidenced by personal calls to young Italian talent Mattia Liberali, currently with the Italy Under 19 squad at the European Championships, as Milan attempts to secure his return to the club.
Cardinale’s increased involvement follows the dismissal of several key figures within the Milan hierarchy, including CEO Furlani, sporting director Tare, technical director Moncada, and manager Allegri. He publicly stated his intention to take direct control of the club’s operations, and has since been actively involved in the appointment of a new manager and the restructuring of the club's organizational structure. This commitment is being demonstrated through both time investment – Cardinale has participated in interviews for the managerial position, both in person and via video call, and has made multiple trips to Italy in recent months – and financial expenditure, exemplified by the recent signing of Gonçalo Ramos for a club-record fee.
The acquisition of Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain for approximately €70 million is being viewed by supporters as a sign of intent, shifting the mood from disappointment to optimism. Cardinale is also personally involved in pursuing other targets, including Liberali, with a scheduled meeting planned with the young player. The club is hoping to prevent Liberali from joining Como and instead bring him back to Milanello.
Beyond immediate targets, Cardinale has reportedly identified Virgil van Dijk as a dream signing to bolster the defense, though this is considered a difficult and ambitious target. Previously, supporters felt restricted in their aspirations for the club, but Cardinale’s active involvement is fostering a renewed sense of hope for a new era at Milan. The changes signal a clear message to the fanbase that the ownership is committed to improving the team’s performance and restoring its identity.
