Jorge Mendes Emerges as AC Milan’s De Facto Sporting Director in Ambitious Transfer Window

FolioPitch.com – 28 June 2026 | The relationship between AC Milan and super-agent Jorge Mendes has deepened to the point where, according to Tuttosport, Mendes is effectively Milan’s new sporting director – how the partnership works is now the talk of the Serie A transfer market. With the Rossoneri lacking a high-profile Head of Football figure, Mendes has stepped in to bridge the gap, leveraging his vast network of clients to accelerate deals.

As Tuttosport reports, Mendes is effectively Milan’s new sporting director – how the partnership works is evident in the swift moves for Gonçalo Ramos and Antonio Silva. The Portuguese agent, who owns Gestifute, has become the central conduit for Milan’s summer mercato, handling negotiations and player agreements with remarkable efficiency. This shift marks a significant departure from traditional club hierarchies, placing an agent at the heart of sporting decisions.

The partnership began when Milan owner Gerry Cardinale visited Italy to appoint new CEO Massimo Calvelli. During that trip, Mendes finalized the arrival of striker Gonçalo Ramos from Benfica, a deal that set the tone for the summer. Now, Mendes is effectively Milan’s new sporting director – how the partnership works has been showcased in the pursuit of Benfica’s 22-year-old central defender Antonio Silva. Initially, Milan offered €15 million plus bonuses, but after a rejection, they relaunched with €20 million plus bonuses, totalling €25 million. The player has agreed to a five-year contract worth nearly €3 million per season, and an agreement is imminent.

But the Mendes effect doesn’t stop there. The Rossoneri are also targeting Marc Casadó, a 22-year-old midfielder from Barcelona valued at €20 million, and Francisco Trincão, a left-footed attacker from Sporting Lisbon with a €35-40 million price tag. These moves highlight how Mendes is effectively Milan’s new sporting director – how the partnership works allows the club to tap into a steady stream of high-potential talent, particularly from Portugal and Spain.

This arrangement is not without its critics. Some argue that relying on an agent limits the club’s scope, as deals are confined to Mendes’ client list. However, when those clients align with Milan’s targets, the efficiency is undeniable. The agent’s role extends beyond simple introductions; he actively negotiates terms, accelerates timelines, and provides a direct line to players and their parent clubs. In a market where speed is crucial, having a de facto sporting director like Mendes offers a competitive edge.

Meanwhile, the Rossoneri’s other targets, such as Nicolò Zaniolo from Udinese, remain alternatives for the right wing, but the Mendes engine is clearly driving the primary transfer strategy. With Samuel Chukwueze as the only established right winger, Trincão’s arrival would provide much-needed depth. And in midfield, Casadó’s versatility could be a long-term asset.

As the window progresses, Tuttosport’s analysis suggests that Mendes is effectively Milan’s new sporting director – how the partnership works will continue to evolve. The agent’s influence may extend to other areas, including contract renewals and youth acquisitions. For Milan, this model represents a pragmatic adaptation to the modern football landscape, where agents often hold the keys to the most promising talents.

In conclusion, while AC Milan may not have a traditional sporting director, they have found a powerful ally in Jorge Mendes. His role has become so central that Tuttosport’s claim holds weight: Mendes is effectively Milan’s new sporting director. The partnership’s success will be judged by the results on the pitch, but for now, the Rossoneri are making headlines with bold, agent-facilitated deals that could reshape their squad.