Milan Eye Ex-Juventus Defender Benatia for Head of Football Role

FolioPitch.com – 08 October 2026 | AC Milan are reportedly considering a move to appoint former Juventus and Morocco defender Medhi Benatia as their new Head of Football, as the club continues a sweeping overhaul of its senior management structure. The news that Ex-Juventus defender Benatia among candidates for Milan Head of Football role emerged on Thursday, with reports from Calciomercato.com and transfer expert Matteo Moretto suggesting that the Rossoneri could add the 39-year-old to their revamped off-field team in the coming months.

Benatia, who enjoyed a distinguished playing career with clubs including Udinese, Roma, Bayern Munich and Juventus, has most recently served as sporting director at Ligue 1 outfit Marseille. He left the French club at the end of the 2025-26 season, shortly after the departure of head coach Roberto De Zerbi. His experience in a similar role has made him an attractive option for Milan, who are seeking a dynamic figure to oversee football operations.

The potential appointment comes amid a period of significant transition at the San Siro. After a disappointing 2025-26 campaign in which Milan finished fifth in Serie A and missed out on Champions League qualification—despite spending much of the season in second place—the club’s hierarchy took drastic action. In a single statement the day after the season ended, head coach Massimiliano Allegri, sporting director Igli Tare, technical director Geoffrey Moncada and CEO Giorgio Furlani were all dismissed.

Since then, the Rossoneri have moved quickly to reshape their leadership. Ruben Amorim has been installed as head coach, replacing Allegri, while Massimo Calvelli has taken over as CEO. Hendrik Almstadt now serves as director of player trading, Bobby Gardiner as director of football intelligence, and Domenico Lomonte as head of scouting. According to reports, Milan could add more names to that list, with the possibility that Ex-Juventus defender Benatia among candidates for Milan Head of Football role gaining traction.

Benatia’s potential arrival would bring a wealth of top-level experience to Milan’s backroom. During his playing days, he was known for his tactical intelligence and leadership, qualities that could translate well into a management role. His time at Marseille, where he worked closely with the club’s recruitment and squad planning, has further prepared him for the demands of a high-profile position at a club like Milan.

However, the appointment is not yet a done deal. Sources indicate that Milan are still evaluating their options and could consider other candidates. The club’s new management team is believed to be keen on finding the right fit to complement the existing structure, which now includes a mix of experienced executives and fresh faces. The role of Head of Football would likely involve overseeing the sporting side of the club, including transfers, contract negotiations, and liaising with the coaching staff.

Fans and analysts alike have reacted with interest to the speculation. Some see Benatia as a progressive choice, given his relatively young age for a management position and his familiarity with Serie A from his playing days. Others caution that he is still relatively new to executive roles, having only held the sporting director position at Marseille for a limited period. Nevertheless, the fact that Ex-Juventus defender Benatia among candidates for Milan Head of Football role is being discussed highlights the club’s ambition to build a modern, forward-thinking structure.

Milan’s recent history has been marked by instability at the top, with frequent changes in coaching and management. The decision to overhaul the entire senior leadership after last season’s failure was a bold statement of intent. Now, with Amorim at the helm and a new-look board, the club hopes to return to competing for major honours both domestically and in Europe. Appointing a figure like Benatia could be another step in that direction, bringing a fresh perspective and a deep understanding of the game.

As the summer progresses, Milan’s supporters will be watching closely to see how the club’s management continues to evolve. The potential addition of Benatia would not only strengthen the Rossoneri’s off-field team but also send a signal that Milan are serious about rebuilding for sustained success. For now, the speculation linking Ex-Juventus defender Benatia among candidates for Milan Head of Football role remains just that—speculation—but it is a story that underscores the club’s determination to get back to the top.

In conclusion, Milan’s pursuit of a new Head of Football is part of a broader strategy to revitalise the club after a turbulent period. Whether or not Benatia ultimately takes the role, the process reflects a clear desire to inject fresh ideas and expertise into the management structure. The coming weeks will reveal whether the former defender will be the one to help lead Milan into a new era.