Andoni Iraola, recently departed from Bournemouth, is currently evaluating a proposal from AC Milan while also fielding a more lucrative offer from Crystal Palace. Milan’s owner, Gerry Cardinale, and senior advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic have met with the Basque manager twice, first in London on May 15th and again recently, offering a three-year contract (or two years with an option for a third) worth €4 million per year plus bonuses.
However, Crystal Palace is prepared to offer over €8 million annually, alongside a significantly larger transfer budget than Milan can currently provide. The opportunity to remain in the Premier League, where his wife and daughter are settled, is also a key factor for Iraola. The financial disparity highlights the changing landscape of European football, where clubs like Palace are now capable of competing with historically dominant forces like Milan for managerial talent.
Milan’s internal restructuring continues following the departure of Paolo Maldini, with Cardinale and Ibrahimovic searching for an allenatore, a sporting director, a head scout, a chief executive officer, and a technical area director – a role previously held by Maldini until his dismissal after securing the Serie A title. Maldini himself has subtly criticized Cardinale, responding to a question about being considered a “one-man show” with a pointed remark. He is also reportedly considering an offer from Hakan Safi, a candidate for Fenerbahçe president, after meeting with him in Istanbul.
Cardinale and Ibrahimovic are prioritizing the appointment of a new manager, with Iraola as a leading candidate, before finalizing other key positions. This approach is driven by a sense of urgency to avoid being left behind by rivals in the transfer market. Other potential managerial targets include Xavi Hernandez, Glasner, and Thiago Motta, while Ralf Rangnick is being considered for the technical director role. Ibrahimovic is also exploring a potential ownership stake in Morecambe FC, a fifth-tier English club, alongside Tyson Fury, with plans for a documentary series.
