AC Milan are undergoing a dramatic restructuring after a disappointing 2025–26 season that saw them miss out on UEFA Champions League qualification. The Rossoneri have officially dismissed head coach Massimiliano Allegri, CEO Giorgio Furlani, sporting director Igli Tare, and technical director Geoffrey Moncada. The club announced the departures in a statement on their official website, citing a clear mandate from ownership to return to Europe's top competition. The exits pave the way for Zlatan Ibrahimovic to take on a larger leadership role, with the Swedish legend now expected to oversee the appointments of a new sporting director and head coach.
The decision marks the end of Allegri's second stint at Milan. The 58-year-old Italian initially managed the club from 2010 to 2014, winning the Serie A title in 2010–11 and the Supercoppa Italiana in 2011. He returned in the summer of 2024 after a rocky period that saw Stefano Pioli depart. Despite a promising start to the 2025–26 campaign, Milan's form dipped in the second half of the season, leaving them just outside the top four in Serie A. The failure to secure a Champions League berth was deemed unacceptable by the club's ownership, which is led by Gerry Cardinale's RedBird Capital Partners.
Alongside Allegri, the dismissals of CEO Giorgio Furlani, sporting director Igli Tare, and technical director Geoffrey Moncada signal a complete overhaul of the sporting hierarchy. Furlani had been with the club since 2019, gradually rising to the CEO role. Tare arrived from Lazio in 2024 but failed to build a squad capable of sustained success. Moncada, who had been heavily involved in recruitment, also paid the price for the disappointing campaign. The clean sweep indicates that ownership is unwilling to tolerate mediocrity and is demanding a fresh start.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who served as an executive advisor and senior advisor to the club, is now being thrust into a central role. According to Sky Sports Italia, Massimo Calvelli has been tasked with finding a new CEO, while Ibrahimovic will be responsible for deciding who becomes the next sporting director and head coach. This represents a significant expansion of Ibra's duties. The former striker, who played for Milan from 2010 to 2012 and then again from 2020 to 2023, has been involved in off-field roles since his retirement. He has repeatedly stated his desire to build a long-term sporting project focused on developing young talent. His new authority will allow him to implement that vision.
Ibrahimovic's influence is already being felt. He has reportedly made it clear that he wants to keep both Portuguese winger Rafael Leão and United States international Christian Pulisic at the club. However, the financial reality of missing out on Champions League revenue—estimated at €50–70 million—may force Milan to sell one of their star assets. Leão, 26, has been linked with a move away for over a year, with clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea monitoring his situation. Pulisic, 27, has had a solid season in Serie A, contributing goals and assists but has also attracted interest from Premier League sides. Ibrahimovic's decisions on the new sporting director and coach will ultimately determine whether either player stays.
The shakeup also casts doubt on the futures of several other squad members. Players like Theo Hernández, Fikayo Tomori, and Tijjani Reijnders may also see their situations reassessed. The new sporting director will likely conduct a thorough review of the existing roster. With Ibrahimovic prioritizing youth development, the club may lean towards signing younger, high-potential players rather than established stars. This shift in strategy could mean a change in the type of profile Milan targets in the transfer market.
Historically, AC Milan have been associated with both veteran leadership and academy products. The club's golden era under Arrigo Sacchi and Fabio Capello featured homegrown talents like Paolo Maldini and Franco Baresi. More recently, the 2021–22 Scudetto-winning team blended experienced signings like Zlatan himself with younger players like Rafael Leão. The challenge for Milan now is to replicate that balance under Ibrahimovic's guidance. The Swede has often spoken about the importance of nurturing young Italian players and building a cohesive unit rather than relying solely on expensive imports.
Meanwhile, the hunt for a new head coach is underway. Several names have been linked, including Thiago Motta, Vincenzo Italiano, and even former Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso. However, Ibrahimovic may look outside Italy for a fresh perspective. Coaches with a reputation for developing young talents, such as Julian Nagelsmann or Roberto De Zerbi, could be candidates. The next coach will have the task of implementing an attractive style of play while also getting results. Milan's ownership is known to be patient but expects immediate progress in terms of Champions League qualification.
The dismissal of Allegri also closes a chapter that many fans had high hopes for. Allegri's first spell at Milan was highly successful, but his second stint was marred by inconsistency and tactical shortcomings. The team often struggled to break down low blocks and lacked creativity in midfield. Injuries to key players also played a role, but the overall feeling was that the squad underperformed relative to its potential. Allegri himself acknowledged the disappointment, but the club felt a change was necessary.
Igli Tare's exit is also significant. The Albanian sporting director had been with Lazio for years before joining Milan in 2024. His signings included Strahinja Pavlović, Alvaro Morata, and Youssouf Fofana. While some of these players showed promise, the overall depth of the squad was inadequate for a club aiming for Champions League football. Tare's departure opens the door for a new director to reshape the squad according to Ibrahimovic's vision.
Geoffrey Moncada, who had been technical director since 2023, was known for his work in identifying young talent, especially from the French market. He played a key role in bringing players like Mike Maignan and Théo Hernández to the club. However, recent recruitment missteps and the failure to build a cohesive squad cost him his position. Milan will now need to find a new technical director who aligns with Ibrahimovic's long-term plan.
In the immediate term, the club will focus on appointing a new CEO. Massimo Calvelli, a former Serie A executive, has been enlisted to lead the search. The new CEO will work alongside Ibrahimovic to ensure the sporting and business sides of the organization are aligned. The ownership has made it clear that financial sustainability is crucial, but they are willing to invest smartly to compete at the highest level.
Missing the Champions League also impacts Milan's ability to attract top players. Without the lure of Europe's premier competition, the club may have to rely on its history and Ibrahimovic's charisma to convince targets. The club's brand remains strong globally, but the financial gap compared to Premier League clubs and other European giants is widening. This makes the upcoming summer window critical. Milan must be clever in the market, perhaps targeting players whose contracts are expiring or those looking for a new challenge.
Another key factor is the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the summer. Several Milan players, including Pulisic, Leão, Maignan, and Hernández, are expected to feature for their countries. Performances at the World Cup could either increase their market value or solidify their desire to stay at Milan. Ibrahimovic's timeline for rebuilding will likely take into account the tournament's impact on player values and availability.
The Rossoneri's fanbase has reacted with a mixture of hope and skepticism. Many supporters were frustrated with Allegri's cautious approach and the lack of clear identity. They welcome Ibrahimovic's increased involvement, seeing him as a figure who understands the club's DNA. However, some are wary of giving too much power to a former player without extensive executive experience. Ibrahimovic's work in recent years as an advisor has been well-regarded, but this new role will test his ability to manage a complex organization.
In the coming weeks, Milan will announce key appointments. The new sporting director will be tasked with shaping the squad for the 2026–27 season, while the head coach will need immediate results to restore confidence. Ibrahimovic will be at the center of these decisions, and his legacy as an executive will begin to take shape. The club's ownership has shown faith in him, and now he must deliver.
The shakeup at AC Milan is one of the biggest stories in European football this summer. It reflects a growing trend of clubs turning to former players for leadership roles, following examples like Paolo Maldini at Milan (before his departure in 2023) and John Terry at various clubs. Whether Ibrahimovic can succeed where others have struggled remains to be seen, but his ambition is undeniable. The next few months will define the direction of one of football's most storied clubs.
As for the players currently on the roster, the uncertainly is palpable. Rafael Leão has already been the subject of transfer rumors, and his future may hinge on the style of the new coach. Christian Pulisic, who has resurrected his career in Italy after a difficult spell at Chelsea, could be tempted by a return to the Premier League if the right offer comes. However, Ibrahimovic's desire to keep both suggests that Milan will fight to retain their best talent. The financial constraints may force a sale, but the club will aim to maximize value while maintaining competitiveness.
The 2026–27 season will be a transitional one for AC Milan. The new leadership structure will have to work quickly to implement a coherent vision. The summer transfer window will be critical, and early decisions on the coach and sporting director will set the tone. Ibrahimovic is no stranger to pressure, having thrived on it throughout his playing career. Now, he faces perhaps his biggest challenge yet: restoring AC Milan to their rightful place among Europe's elite.
Source: MSN News