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Ralf Rangnick is reportedly in advanced negotiations to take charge of a comprehensive restructuring project at AC Milan, signalling a possible return to the club years after his earlier move to San Siro fell through. The 67-year-old tactician has recently met with the Rossoneri hierarchy to present his detailed blueprint for rebuilding the team following a disappointing season.

A crucial meeting concerning Milan’s future took place in Vienna, where Rangnick sat down with top club representatives Gerry Cardinale and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the German outlined the terms under which he would consider joining Milan, should he decide to leave the Austrian national team after the World Cup. Rather than resuming a position on the bench, Rangnick is being considered for a comprehensive supervisory role that would cover all technical operations within the club.

Reports following the meeting describe an optimistic atmosphere, though a final agreement has yet to be reached. Rangnick remains steadfast in his footballing philosophy and has sought firm assurances that he would be allowed to significantly influence the club’s rebuilding process. For RedBird, this would mark a bold step toward replicating the successful Red Bull model, which emphasizes advanced scouting methods and the development of young players.

Rangnick’s expectations are extensive and leave little room for negotiation. He seeks full authority over the technical department, including the right to appoint Milan’s next head coach. In addition, he wishes to bring with him a large team of specialists—reportedly numbering in the double digits—focused particularly on scouting and data analytics. His plan involves a complete overhaul of the youth setup, ensuring a unified development pathway from the academy through to the senior team.

This level of centralised authority has prompted Cardinale, Ibrahimovic, and other senior figures at Milan to carefully weigh their decision. They are expected to communicate a resolution soon, partly out of respect for the Austrian Football Federation, as Rangnick is currently preparing for a trip to the United States with the national team.

When recently asked about the possibility of joining Milan, Rangnick responded with a mix of caution and intrigue. “Everyone probably noticed that something extraordinary happened at AC Milan last weekend,” he remarked during an event for his foundation. However, he later sought to downplay speculation in an interview with Orf, stating, “My only point of contact regarding contractual matters is and remains the Austrian Federation. The only federation or club I am in contact with is the Austrian Federation. I feel very comfortable here.”

Rangnick’s current deal with Austria runs until after the World Cup, but the prospect of spearheading a major technical transformation at Milan remains enticing. The Austrian FA is reportedly trying to retain him by offering a salary hike comparable to what Italy once proposed to Antonio Conte. Nevertheless, the opportunity to lead a new era at a global club like Milan could prove too tempting to resist.

Rangnick’s potential return also revives memories of 2020, when he was close to replacing Stefano Pioli under then-CEO Ivan Gazidis. At that time, Rangnick questioned the idea of signing veteran players such as Ibrahimovic, saying, “It’s not my style to rely on 38-year-old players, not because Ibra isn’t good, but because I prefer to invest in and develop young talent.” The Swedish star fired back immediately: “Rangnick? I don’t know who he is.”

Today, the dynamics are entirely different. Ibrahimovic now holds a senior executive position within RedBird and must consider the appointment of the same man who once doubted him. Whether these two strong-willed figures can coexist within the same project is one of the most intriguing aspects of Milan’s potential new direction.