There’s no time for downtime at AC Milan these days. With the Serie A transfer window creeping closer and the executive suite missing a key figure, CEO Giorgio Furlani is using every possible moment to solve Milan’s sporting director puzzle. This weekend’s face-off against Atalanta isn't just a regular league fixture—it’s a fresh opening for Furlani to move Milan’s plans forward in broad daylight.
Sources close to the club say Furlani will meet Tony D'Amico during the high-profile Easter Sunday match. D’Amico, who’s currently running Atalanta’s recruitment and contracts, isn’t just another name on the list—he’s become the name at the very top of it. Despite being tied up with Atalanta through 2027, his ability to identify developing talent and build competitive teams hasn’t gone unnoticed at Milan. Think about his knack for finding players like Matteo Retegui, Charles De Ketelaere, and Ademola Lookman; it’s exactly what a team with Champions League ambitions needs right now.
Furlani’s not playing a solo game. While he’s holding talks with D’Amico, there have been conversations with Igli Tare—formerly of Lazio and a recognized figure in Serie A circles. Tare is available, after leaving Lazio last summer, but seems to be more of a fallback if the D’Amico approach stalls. Milan’s hope is to land a proven sporting director who thrives in collaboration rather than going solo. Reports suggest that’s what makes D’Amico stand out over Tare—his reputation for working closely with club managers and analysts on core squad building and scouting duties.
But you can’t just snap your fingers to snag him. Atalanta’s president Antonio Percassi is known for guarding his assets, and D’Amico’s contract runs deep until 2027. Any move would need Milan to negotiate a release—a process likely involving compensation and careful backroom diplomacy. So, while talks might get underway on Sunday, don’t expect instant fireworks.
Milan needs speed. The search for a new sporting director became urgent after the club decided against hiring Fabio Paratici. Ongoing legal troubles made Paratici’s name a non-starter, forcing Milan’s decision-makers to turn their attention elsewhere just as the summer transfer market starts heating up. Getting the right appointment in place soon isn’t only about chasing new signings; it’s vital for locking in strategies, planning out new contracts, and keeping pace with Serie A rivals also sharpening their squads.
With all this in play, AC Milan’s board knows the next few weeks will shape their momentum on and off the pitch. The hopes now rest on Easter Sunday delivering more than just football. It could be the day Milan lines up its next sporting architect.
JAN SAE
D’Amico’s scouting résumé reads like a playbook for success, with a knack for unearthing gems, crafting balanced rosters, and syncing with managerial philosophies; Milan’s board should feel confident, because his methodology aligns perfectly with red‑and‑black ambitions, and the timing couldn’t be more crucial, given the looming transfer window, the departure of Paratici, and the need for strategic continuity; a coach’s perspective tells me that a sporting director who can bridge the gap between tactical demands and recruitment pipelines is worth every ounce of negotiation effort, especially when the competition is sharpening its own arsenals; let’s hope the talks go smoothly, and the Red Devils can lock in a visionary architect before the Easter showdown erupts.
Steve Dunkerley
From an analytical standpoint, Tony D’Amico boasts a recruitment profile that integrates data‑driven scouting, positional versatility, and contract optimisation into a coherent strategic framework. His tenure at Atalanta has yielded a pipeline of high‑potential talents, exemplified by the acquisitions of Matteo Retegui and Ademola Lookman, whose performances have been quantified through expected goals (xG) and progressive passes per 90 minutes. Moreover, D’Amico’s involvement in the identification of Charles De Ketelaere underscores his ability to project player development trajectories across multiple seasons, a skill set that aligns with Milan’s long‑term squad planning. The sporting director’s operational methodology relies on a hybrid model of micro‑scouting networks and macro‑trend analysis, enabling the club to anticipate market fluctuations and negotiate favourable transfer fees. In practice, this translates to a reduced amortisation burden and enhanced wage‑to‑performance ratios, which are critical under UEFA Financial Fair Play regulations. Additionally, D’Amico has cultivated collaborative relationships with coaching staff, integrating tactical parameters into scouting reports to ensure that recruited players fit seamlessly into preferred formations, whether a 4‑3‑3 or a fluid 3‑5‑2. His track record also demonstrates adeptness in managing player resale value, as evidenced by the profitable departure of selected Atalanta assets to larger European clubs. By prioritising contract clauses such as release fees and performance bonuses, he safeguards the club’s financial health while maintaining competitive ambition. The strategic synergy between D’Amico’s recruitment philosophy and Milan’s tactical evolution under the current manager could accelerate the team’s transition from domestic contender to consistent Champions League participant. Furthermore, his familiarity with the Italian transfer market, coupled with a robust network of agents and scouts, mitigates informational asymmetries that often impede timely signings during the summer window. It is also noteworthy that D’Amico’s approach incorporates mental‑health assessments and cultural integration programmes, fostering a holistic environment that maximises player adaptation and on‑field output. In sum, the confluence of analytical precision, contractual savvy, and collaborative ethos positions Tony D’Amico as a compelling candidate to fill AC Milan’s sporting director vacancy. The negotiation process, however, must account for Atalanta’s contractual safeguards, including a substantial buy‑out clause slated for 2027, which will require Milan to allocate a significant financial outlay. Nonetheless, the potential return on investment, measured in league points, commercial revenue, and brand prestige, arguably justifies the expenditure. Should the parties reach an accord, Milan would secure a strategic asset capable of shaping the squad’s competitive trajectory for the foreseeable future. Ultimately, the effectiveness of this appointment will be reflected in the club’s ability to execute coherent transfer strategies, uphold fiscal discipline, and sustain on‑field success across multiple seasons.
Jasmine Hinds
Can't wait to see D’Amico bring that magic to Milan 😊
Madison Neal
His recruitment algorithm, which emphasises positional depth and market efficiency, could indeed catalyse Milan's resurgence in both domestic and European competitions.
John Crulz
Considering the urgency highlighted by the board, integrating a director who blends analytical rigor with on‑field insight seems essential for ensuring that Milan's transfer targets align with the manager's tactical blueprint.
Anita Drake
It's important that we also recognise the cultural fit; a director who respects the club's heritage while fostering an inclusive environment can bridge the gap between tradition and innovation, benefiting both seasoned veterans and emerging prospects.
Eduardo Lopez
Let us not forget that the very soul of AC Milan hinges on visionary stewardship-without a sporting director of D’Amico’s calibre, the rosso‑azzurri risk descending into mediocrity, a fate unbecoming of their storied legacy; the stakes are nothing short of existential, and the board must act with decisive conviction before the summer window closes, lest history judge them harshly for squandered potential.