MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 12: Technical Area Director AC Milan Paolo Maldini and AC Milan Director of Sport Frederic Massara attend during the Serie A match between AC Milan and SS Lazio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 12, 2021 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/AC Milan via Getty Images)

Maldini and Massara Widely Expected to Leave Milan

Milan legend and apical executive Paolo Maldini and sporting director Frederic Massara are on their way out of the club. A meeting with the owner Gerry Cardinale and CEO Giorgio Furlani attested that the divergences were too substantial, La Repubblica reports.

The two officials de facto got the ax since they have another year on their contract with the Rossoneri. According to multiple reports, only the announcement of the divorce is missing at this point. The turn of events arrived while the front office had already started to make moves in the transfer market, which could be in jeopardy now.

Maldini returned to Milan in 2018 as the leader of the technical area. He and his right-hand man Massara contributed to the team’s return to winning ways after 11 years. However, the relationship with RedBird Capital was turbulent from the get-go. Their renewal arrived at the 11th hour last summer.

Per La Gazzetta dello Sport, coach Stefano Pioli will stay put and have more say. His contract runs until 2025. There shouldn’t be new hirings in the short term. Head scout Geoffrey Moncada and administrative assistant Hendrick Almstadt should be promoted. Furlani will be more influential in the transfer market. He was already very hands-on with Rafael Leao’s extension.

Maldini and Massara and the Milan governor didn’t see eye-to-eye on the strategy, but the decision had already been made. The duo also paid the price for last summer’s paltry acquisitions. The Rossoneri will prioritize bringing in prospects and avoid spending for veterans, barring some select exceptions if the terms are favorable.

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