AC Milan is actively pursuing Andoni Iraola as their next head coach. A second face-to-face meeting between the Spanish manager and club representatives is scheduled to take place in London shortly. This move aims to secure Iraola’s commitment quickly and fend off competition from Crystal Palace.
According to reports from Gazzetta dello Sport and Sky Sport Italia, Milan’s initial formal contact with Iraola occurred on May 15. During this meeting in London, owner Gerry Cardinale, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and advisor Massimo Calvelli conveyed their interest in the former Bournemouth coach.
A contract offer for a duration of two to three years, with an annual salary exceeding €3 million plus bonuses contingent on Champions League qualification, is reportedly being prepared.
The primary obstacle in securing Iraola appears to be his family’s ties to England. Crystal Palace, who are also interested in the 43-year-old following Oliver Glasner’s departure, are hoping to leverage this situation. Milan is aware of the threat posed by the Premier League club and is eager to expedite their discussions.
In parallel, Gerry Cardinale and Zlatan Ibrahimovic traveled to Vienna for discussions with Austria national team coach Ralf Rangnick regarding a potential sporting director position at Milan. Rangnick, who had a challenging stint as Manchester United manager in the 2021-22 season, has since revitalized his career by guiding Austria to Euro 2024 and the World Cup.
Other individuals linked with Milan’s vacant director of football role include former Liverpool CEO Ian Ayre and ex-Atalanta recruitment chief Lee Congerton.