In a move that could reshape the future of AC Milan, the club's CEO Giorgio Furlani is set to meet with former Juventus executive Fabio Paratici in London today, April 1, 2025, as the Rossoneri continue their search for a new sporting director. Paratici has emerged as the frontrunner for the role, a position that has been vacant since the dismissals of Paolo Maldini and Frederic Massara.
Paratici's candidacy has gained momentum in recent days, with journalist Peppe Di Stefano reporting on Sky Sport 24 that he has always been the strongest candidate for the job. "Fabio is coming off a long suspension, and he has the desire to make up for lost time. He has worked for major clubs—let's call them multinational organizations—like Juventus and Tottenham. He could have the experience needed to operate within this club," Di Stefano noted.
While Paratici's appointment is not yet finalized, the signs are promising. A six-hour meeting took place last Monday, March 24, between Furlani and Paratici in Milan, and multiple phone conversations have occurred over the past week. However, Di Stefano cautioned, "I don’t think we are very close to finalizing the deal yet, but that seems to be the direction. Then again, in the transfer market, you can never say never. I believe Milan’s idea is to try and pull off a significant move, which would be a major investment."
Paratici's return to Italy marks a significant chapter in his career. After leaving Juventus in May 2021, where he enjoyed a decade of success, including nine consecutive league titles and two Champions League final appearances, he joined Tottenham Hotspur. However, his time in the Premier League was cut short when he was suspended in March 2023 due to the plusvalenze investigation, which has kept him out of the game until July 20, 2025.
Despite his suspension, Paratici has remained active in football as an external consultant for Tottenham. Now, he stands on the brink of a return to a leading role in Serie A, which could see him help Milan navigate a challenging period following their failure to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
The club's struggles have been evident this season, with Milan currently sitting far from the top four, and the pressure is on to make impactful changes. Paratici's first task, should he be appointed, will be to select a new head coach. One name that has surfaced as a potential candidate is Roberto De Zerbi, currently managing Marseille and a self-proclaimed Milan fan. Initial contacts have already been made between Paratici and Edoardo Crnjar, who represents De Zerbi.
De Zerbi had previously waited for Milan's interest last season before moving to Marseille, and with Paratici's connections, the possibility of him returning to the Rossoneri could be on the cards. However, no agreements have been reached yet, and the situation remains fluid.
Milan's management is keen on making a significant investment in their sporting structure, as they look to recover from a disappointing season. The club's recent history has been tumultuous, with the departures of key figures like Maldini and Massara leaving a void in leadership and direction.
As the meeting in London unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if this pivotal moment leads to a formal agreement. The Rossoneri are in desperate need of stability and vision to ensure they can compete at the highest levels in Italian football once again.
Paratici's experience could be invaluable in this regard. During his time at Juventus, he was instrumental in several key signings that transformed the club into a dominant force in Italy. His ability to scout and acquire talent was evidenced by the likes of Paul Pogba, Andrea Pirlo, and Cristiano Ronaldo, all pivotal figures in Juventus's success during his tenure.
However, his career has not been without controversy. Paratici's involvement in the plusvalenze scandal has marred his reputation, and the upcoming months will be crucial for him to restore faith both in himself and the clubs he represents.
In conclusion, the meeting between Furlani and Paratici could be a turning point for AC Milan as they seek to rebuild and regain their status among Europe's elite. The outcome of this discussion will not only impact the future of Paratici but could also dictate the direction of the club for years to come. Fans are hopeful that with the right leadership, Milan can emerge from this chaotic period and return to the glory days of successful football.
