The AC Milan has appointed Hendrik Almstadt as its new Director of Player Trading, the club confirmed this week. Almstadt, 53, will work alongside other directors, notably Bobby Gardiner, a specialist in big data, as Milan adopts a more American-style management structure with multiple decision-makers. This appointment marks a return to a formal role in player recruitment for Almstadt, whose previous experience in a similar position ended with the relegation of Aston Villa from the Premier League in 2016.
Almstadt’s time at Aston Villa lasted eight months, during which the club underwent significant roster turnover. Working with then-chief scout Paddy Riley, he oversaw the arrival of 12 players, including Jordan Ayew, Jordan Veretout, and Adama Traoré. The spending included a £12 million fee for Ayew, with further investments in players like Veretout and Traoré for roughly £10 million each. The squad assembled had an average age of 25, younger than the current Milan team. Despite the influx of new talent, Aston Villa ultimately suffered relegation after 58 consecutive seasons in the top flight.
While Almstadt was not solely responsible for the club’s downfall, the summer transfer window became a focal point of criticism. Alongside the new arrivals, key players Christian Benteke and Fabian Delph were sold to Liverpool and Manchester City respectively for significant fees – £46 million and £11 million. Benteke had been a prolific scorer for Villa, netting 49 goals in 101 appearances, and his departure was keenly felt. The club was facing financial difficulties, reporting losses of approximately £27 million, further complicating the situation.
Almstadt was relieved of his duties in March, following a period of poor results that left Aston Villa at the bottom of the table. The club described the departure as a “mutual agreement.” Prior to his time at Villa, Almstadt worked at Arsenal, focusing on scouting and financial aspects. Now, he faces the challenge of proving his capabilities at Milan, demonstrating that his experience in England was an isolated setback. The success of Milan’s upcoming season will heavily rely on the club’s transfer activity, with Almstadt playing a central role in identifying and securing new talent. Data and algorithms will assist in the process, but ultimately, on-field performance will determine their return to Champions League contention.
