AC Milan are considering Ralf Rangnick as a potential replacement for their current manager, according to reports emerging from Italy. The 67-year-old, currently the national team manager of Austria, held talks with Zlatan Ibrahimovic in Vienna regarding the position.
This is not the first time Rangnick has been linked with a move to Milan. In 2020, former Milan executive Ivan Gazidis identified Rangnick as a target, envisioning a role that would combine managerial duties with oversight of the club’s transfer strategy. However, the appointment was reportedly blocked by Zvonimir Boban and Paolo Maldini, who favoured continuing with Stefano Pioli – a decision that ultimately proved successful.
Andoni Iraola, the manager of Bournemouth, remains the leading candidate for the Milan job. Iraola guided Bournemouth to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League this past season, impressing with his proactive and courageous style of play. Other names under consideration include Oliver Glasner of Crystal Palace and former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernández, as Milan aim to make a decision within the next week to ten days.
Rangnick’s managerial career has spanned several clubs, most notably within the Red Bull organisation, where he achieved success with RB Leipzig. He had a less successful spell at Manchester United, taking over mid-season in 2021-22. Since April 2022, he has been in charge of the Austrian national team, successfully qualifying them for Euro 2024, where they reached the round of 16. Austria topped their group at the tournament, ahead of France and the Netherlands, before losing to Turkey. He also secured qualification for the upcoming World Cup, ending a 28-year absence for Austria from the competition.
Should Rangnick be appointed, it is anticipated he would be given a significant role in player recruitment, mirroring the vision Gazidis had four years ago. The appointment of a new manager will be crucial for Milan as they look to build on their recent form and challenge for further silverware.
