AC Milan’s new leadership team already under scrutiny as Cardinale’s revolution begins
After missing out on qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League, Gerry Cardinale has completely reshaped AC Milan’s sporting and executive structure. Following weeks of uncertainty, the Rossoneri finally appear to have a clearer organisational direction, at least in terms of personnel.
With Ruben Amorim officially appointed as head coach, attention has now shifted to the group of executives entrusted with rebuilding the club and leading the upcoming transfer market. However, while the names are now known, many doubts remain among supporters and only results will determine whether Cardinale’s gamble pays off.
AC Milan’s new executives already at work
According to today’s edition of Tuttosport, the newly appointed executives have already begun working behind the scenes to plan the future of the club.
Their responsibilities extend beyond identifying transfer targets and potential departures. The new structure has been tasked with building the foundations of Amorim’s project while recovering valuable time lost during the lengthy restructuring process.
The pressure is already significant. Every decision made during the upcoming transfer window will be closely monitored by supporters and media alike.
A different approach to football management
Unlike traditional sporting departments built around former coaches, sporting directors or ex-players, AC Milan’s new leadership team brings expertise from different areas of football operations.
Hendrik Almstadt, Bobby Gardiner and chief scout Donato Lomonte are expected to work collectively to identify opportunities in the market and build a squad capable of meeting Amorim’s tactical demands.
Their challenge will be proving that a modern, data-driven and internationally focused structure can compete with more traditional football models operating across Serie A and Europe.
The executives leading AC Milan’s transfer strategy
The club’s new organisational structure has now been clearly defined.
Hendrik Almstadt will serve as Director of Player Trading, overseeing transfer negotiations and squad asset management.
Bobby Gardiner has been appointed Director of Football Intelligence, leading the club’s analytical and strategic football operations.
Financial oversight will continue to come from RedBird, led by owner Gerry Cardinale, alongside CEO Massimo Calvelli, who will hold signing authority, and Castelblanco, partner at the American investment group.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic will remain involved as Senior Advisor to RedBird, continuing to play an influential role in strategic discussions surrounding the club.
Ruben Amorim arrival date confirmed
Attention is also beginning to shift toward Ruben Amorim’s first steps as AC Milan head coach.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Portuguese manager is expected to arrive in Italy on July 6. His first training sessions with the squad are scheduled to take place the following week, when the Rossoneri officially begin preseason preparations.
Those first weeks will provide supporters with an initial glimpse of Amorim’s methods and the direction of a project that represents one of the most significant sporting restructurings in recent AC Milan history.
Cardinale’s gamble enters a decisive phase
The coming months will determine whether Gerry Cardinale’s decision to rely primarily on an international executive structure was the correct one.
The new leadership team now faces its first major test: delivering a competitive squad for Ruben Amorim while restoring confidence among a fanbase still frustrated by the club’s failure to qualify for the Champions League.
The revolution has begun. Now comes the difficult part: proving it can succeed.
