AC Milan are facing heavy criticism from German media over their handling of negotiations for Eintracht Frankfurt director Markus Krösche, with the Serie A giants accused of an 'amateurish' approach that has damaged their credibility. Reports from Sky Germany and Bild claim the Rossoneri made a staggering €10 million annual salary offer to the 43-year-old, yet botched the process by ignoring basic protocols in their pursuit of one of Europe’s most respected front-office operators.
The Offer and the Rejection
According to multiple sources in Germany, Milan’s new ownership identified Krösche as the ideal candidate to lead their sporting project following recent boardroom upheaval. The proposed package – believed to be worth €10m net per season over a four-year deal – would have made him the highest-paid sporting director in football history. However, the approach is said to have been conducted without the courtesy of formal advance notice to Eintracht Frankfurt, who only learned of the contact through back channels.
Krösche, who has been instrumental in Frankfurt's rise as a Bundesliga force and their 2025 Europa League triumph, is under contract until June 2028. He is understood to have been taken aback by the direct nature of the offer, which arrived while he was fully committed to planning Frankfurt's summer transfer window. His immediate rejection was communicated privately, but the fallout has now spilled into the public domain.
“This was not how serious clubs conduct business,” a Bild journalist wrote. “Milan acted as if they were dealing with a free agent, completely ignoring that Krösche is a key figure at a club with its own ambitions. It’s the kind of mistake you’d expect from a newcomer, not a historic institution.”
Frankfurt’s Stance and Milan’s Missteps
Eintracht Frankfurt have so far declined to lodge an official complaint, but sources inside the club indicate deep irritation. Krösche is seen as the cornerstone of their long-term strategy, having built a squad capable of competing in the Bundesliga and in European competitions. His contract contains no release clause for non-playing staff, meaning any move would require a compensation package – a detail Milan seemingly overlooked in their initial pitch.
Milan’s missteps reportedly included contacting Krösche directly through intermediaries without engaging his representation or Frankfurt’s hierarchy, a break from customary practice when approaching figures under contract. The Rossoneri’s new American-led consortium, eager to make a splash, may have underestimated the diplomatic nuance required in such a deal. A source close to the negotiations told Bild that Milan’s representatives “came in like a wrecking ball, offering crazy money but with no plan for how to extract him from his current role.”
Adding to the embarrassment, Frankfurt are now said to be accelerating plans to extend Krösche’s contract with improved terms, effectively using Milan’s bid as a lever to tighten their grip on one of the market’s most coveted executives.
What This Means for Milan’s Restructuring
The botched Krösche pursuit is a setback for AC Milan, who have been overhauling their leadership since Gerry Cardinale’s RedBird Capital took majority control. The club parted ways with technical director Paolo Maldini and sporting director Frederic Massara in recent seasons, and the current structure lacks a clear, authoritative voice in recruitment. A name like Krösche would have signaled ambition and know-how, blending his knack for unearthing talent with a data-driven philosophy.
Milan now find themselves back at square one, with a bruised reputation in boardroom circles. Potential candidates may think twice before entering discussions, given the chaotic nature of this episode. The Serie A side have already been linked with other targets, including Tiago Pinto (formerly of Roma) and Luis Campos (PSG), but the Krösche affair suggests their recruitment strategy for off-pitch roles needs as much refinement as their on-field plans.
The club has not issued a formal statement, but a senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, dismissed the reports as “exaggerated,” insisting Milan had merely “made an inquiry.” That denial has done little to silence the laughter in German football corridors.
Key Takeaways
- Milan’s €10m-per-year offer to Markus Krösche was an unprecedented financial package but was rejected instantly.
- Eintracht Frankfurt were blindsided by the approach, which violated standard negotiation protocols for contracted directors.
- The snub has strengthened Frankfurt’s position, with plans to extend Krösche’s contract now underway.
- Milan’s leadership search continues amid internal restructuring, but reputational damage could deter other top-tier candidates.
- The incident highlights a cultural disconnect between Milan’s new ownership and European football’s established transfer etiquette.
Quick Facts
Offer: €10m per year (net), four-year deal
Markus Krösche role: Sporting director, Eintracht Frankfurt
Current contract: Until June 2028
Frankfurt’s reaction: No official complaint, but internally irked
Milan’s next move: Evaluating alternatives, no comment given