The managerial merry-go-round at the San Siro has taken a wild, fascinating turn. Just when it looked like USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino had a pen in hand ready to sign a five-million-euro deal to become the next AC Milan manager, a new frontrunner has stormed to the front of the queue. Oliver Glasner, fresh off an incredible, trophy-laden spell with Crystal Palace, is now reportedly Zlatan Ibrahimović’s absolute number-one choice to succeed Massimiliano Allegri.
According to major reports out of Italy, Milan’s ownership didn’t just express interest—they went all in. Gerry Cardinale and club senior advisor Zlatan Ibrahimović reportedly held a marathon six-hour meeting with Glasner in Germany. During this intense sit-down, the Austrian tactician laid out his vision, his aggressive tactical style, and exactly how he plans to awaken the sleeping giants of Serie A. It safe to say Zlatan liked what he heard.
Glasner’s stock is at an all-time high right now. What he achieved in South London with Crystal Palace was nothing short of a football miracle. He took a side traditionally floating outside the Premier League’s “Big Six” and turned them into a ruthless, trophy-winning machine, famously guiding them to a historic triple success that included the FA Cup, the Community Shield, and the UEFA Conference League trophy. That knack for winning silverware and getting the absolute best out of his squad is exactly why Milan’s hierarchy sees him as the perfect man to lead their massive summer rebuilding project.
But there is a brilliant, deeper layer to this story. Milan isn’t just trying to hire Glasner; they are trying to rebuild their entire identity by reuniting him with a familiar face. The Rossoneri are heavily pushing to bring in current Austria national team coach Ralf Rangnick as their new sporting director. Glasner famously started his elite coaching path as an assistant under the Red Bull Salzburg umbrella, which was heavily shaped by Rangnick’s legendary footballing philosophy.
If Zlatan and Cardinale can pull this off, it is a massive statement of intent. They aren’t just looking for a quick fix on the touchline. By bringing in the Rangnick-Glasner duo, AC Milan is trying to copy a proven, sustainable, high-pressing blueprint that could completely revitalize the club from the youth academy up to the first team.
Of course, the deal isn’t completely across the line yet. Premier League clubs like Fulham are hovering, waiting to swoop in if Glasner hesitates, and Rangnick still needs to be officially released from his duties with Austria. However, Glasner has reportedly given his green light and is purely waiting for the final nod from Milan high-ups. If this six-hour meeting with Ibrahimović is anything to go by, the Rossoneri are about to enter a thrilling, high-octane new era.
