AC Milan Director Search: Krösche Out, Three New Names Emerge

FolioPitch.com – 09 October 2026 | AC Milan‘s search for a new Head of Football has taken a fresh twist, with Tuttosport Three names on Milan s director list with Krösche idea fully abandoned. The Italian sports daily reports that the club has definitively dropped its pursuit of Eintracht Frankfurt’s Markus Krösche, and is now considering three alternative candidates: Mehdi Benatia, Devin Ozek, and José Boto. The news comes as Gerry Cardinale, Milan’s owner, continues to reshape the club’s management structure following a turbulent summer.

According to Tuttosport Three names on Milan s director list with Krösche idea fully abandoned, the decision to move on from Krösche was made after weeks of speculation. The German executive was initially seen as a leading contender to fill the void left by Igli Tare, who was dismissed at the end of May. However, negotiations reportedly stalled, and Milan have now turned their attention elsewhere. The Tuttosport Three names on Milan s director list with Krösche idea fully abandoned headline has sent ripples through the Italian media, as fans and analysts alike wonder who will ultimately take the reins.

Cardinale’s vision for the role is clear: he wants a Head of Football who can act as a liaison between himself, manager Ruben Amorim, and the squad. The new director will be based at Milanello, overseeing day-to-day operations and leading transfer planning. This is a significant shift from the previous structure, where the sporting director had a more traditional scouting and negotiation focus. The American owner is determined to create a more integrated approach, with the director serving as a bridge between the boardroom and the dressing room.

The first name on the list is Mehdi Benatia, the former Roma and Juventus defender. Benatia, who most recently served as sporting director at Olympique Marseille, is reportedly eager to return to Italy. His experience in Serie A and his familiarity with the Italian football landscape make him an attractive option. Sources close to the situation suggest that Benatia would welcome the opportunity to work at Milan, and his appointment could be a popular choice among fans who remember his playing days.

The second candidate is Devin Ozek, a name that has been circulating in Milan’s corridors of power for some time. Ozek is highly regarded for his work in football operations, though his profile is less public than some of his peers. The third is José Boto, the architect behind Flamengo’s recent success. Boto built the Flamengo team that won the Brazilian league title and the Copa Libertadores, and he is currently overseeing another strong campaign. However, Flamengo’s ongoing commitments in the Libertadores, where they have reached the final four, could complicate any move for Boto.

Milan’s summer transfer window was led by Hendrik Almstadt and Bobby Gardiner, who were promoted internally, alongside working with super-agent Jorge Mendes. Mendes was instrumental in bringing Gonçalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain and Diego Moreira from Strasbourg. While those deals added quality to the squad, the lack of a permanent Head of Football has been a lingering issue. Cardinale is keen to resolve it swiftly, especially with the January window approaching.

Manager Ruben Amorim is said to be expecting signings in January that were not made during the summer. The Portuguese coach has made it clear that he needs reinforcements to challenge for trophies, and the new director will be tasked with delivering those targets. The Tuttosport Three names on Milan s director list with Krösche idea fully abandoned report highlights the urgency of the situation, as Milan cannot afford another disjointed transfer window.

The position left vacant by Igli Tare is certainly tempting, and it is not out of the question that other candidates could emerge. Cardinale himself will make the final decision, and he is known for being meticulous in his approach. The Tuttosport Three names on Milan s director list with Krösche idea fully abandoned story underscores the fluid nature of the search, with names constantly being evaluated.

In conclusion, AC Milan’s pursuit of a new Head of Football is at a critical juncture. With Krösche out of the picture, the focus has shifted to Benatia, Ozek, and Boto. Each brings a unique set of skills and experiences, but the ultimate choice will depend on Cardinale’s vision for the club. The coming weeks will be crucial as Milan look to finalize their management team and provide Amorim with the support he needs. For now, the Tuttosport Three names on Milan s director list with Krösche idea fully abandoned saga continues to dominate headlines, and fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter.