Oliver Glasner is increasingly likely to become the new head coach of AC Milan, according to reports emerging from Austria, Germany, and England. The 51-year-old Glasner, who has previously managed Eintracht Frankfurt and Crystal Palace, has been identified as the leading candidate to succeed Stefano Pioli.
AC Milan’s ownership group, led by Gerry Cardinale and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, along with sporting director Geoffrey Moncada, have been pursuing Glasner for several days. They met with him in Germany last week for a six-hour discussion where he detailed his tactical vision and assessment of the current Milan squad, as well as potential transfer targets. The impression from those talks was positive, and Milan are preparing a contract proposal.
The proposed contract is expected to be a two-year deal worth approximately €3.5 million per season, plus bonuses tied to performance – Champions League qualification, Europa League success, and potentially winning Serie A. The contract may also include an option for a third season. With Cardinale and Ibrahimovic currently in the United States, it is anticipated that Moncada, who has taken on increased responsibilities following the departure of former CEO Giorgio Furlani, will lead negotiations.
While Glasner is open to taking the Milan job even without Ralf Rangnick as director of football, he has requested that a German-speaking figure – either a sporting director or technical director – be appointed above him to facilitate quicker season planning, given the limited time before the team’s pre-season training camp on July 12th. This request stems from his previous working relationship with Rangnick at Salzburg. The situation surrounding Rangnick remains uncertain, with reports suggesting he is flattered by Milan’s offer but hesitant due to concerns about the club’s ability to fully deliver on its promises and provide the autonomy he desires, particularly regarding potential interference from Ibrahimovic.
Milan have also confirmed a pre-season friendly schedule, including matches against Celtic on July 25th, Inter on August 5th in Perth, Chelsea on August 8th in Jakarta, and Manchester United on August 15th in Breslavia. Santiago Giménez, currently with the Mexico national team, expressed his continued belief in his potential at Milan, stating he is confident Mexico will win the World Cup and he will be the tournament’s top scorer.
