Zlatan Ibrahimovic has returned to AC Milan, and has assumed his roles as ‘Operating Partner’ and ‘Senior Advisor to Ownership’. In an official statement by RedBird, Ibrahimovic will collaborate with the global investment team as an Operating Partner, supporting the firm’s existing investment portfolio across sports, media, and entertainment. He will also be involved in sourcing and evaluating new investment opportunities and advising RedBird portfolio companies on commercial projects, digital content strategies, and brand building initiatives. On the other hand, at AC Milan, Ibrahimovic will serve as a Senior Advisor to Ownership, working closely with RedBird and the New York Yankees, a longstanding partner of RedBird in sports. Zlatan Ibrahimovic – Getty image RedBird Capital Partners and New York Yankees, are among the main owners of AC Milan. Ibrahimovic’s new roles at the club will span sporting and business operations, focusing on player development, high-performance training, global brand advancement, and commercial interests. Additionally, he will contribute to strategic projects of importance, including AC Milan’s new stadium.
Super Eagles’ Lookman bags brace in Atalanta’s 3-2 win against Milan
Super Eagles’ star Ademola Lookman bagged a brace for Atalanta in a 3-2 win against AC Milan on Saturday’s Serie A clash. Lookman opened scoring for his side in the 38 minute, but was leveled by Olivier Giroud, just before halftime. Controversy surrounded Milan’s equalizer, with Yunus Musah’s challenge on Lookman ignored, leading to a corner that Giroud converted with a powerful header. Meanwhile, Giroud, returning from a suspension, aimed to make an impact in the game, but Atalanta’s defense proved resilient.
Super Eagles’ Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman – Getty image Lookman had a chance to give Atalanta the lead at halftime, but a glaring miss kept the score level. The second half got intensified, with Lookman restoring Atalanta’s lead after a brilliant buildup with De Ketelaere. A vital moment came when Maignan’s crucial saves denied Atalanta a two-goal lead. However, Milan responded with a well-worked goal, as Pulisic assisted Luka Jovic to level the score at 2-2. Davide Calabria’s late red card reduced Milan to 10 men, setting the stage for a dramatic win for the host. In stoppage time, Luis Muriel’s audacious back-heel flick secured Atalanta all three points in the frantic encounter.
Milan stumble 3-1 at home against Dortmund, after Chukwueze’s spectacle
Milan faced yet another setback with a 3-1 home defeat against Borussia Dortmund, after Samuel Chukwueze’s first half leveler. Olivier Giroud’s six minutes penalty was denied by Dortmund’s goalkeeper, and Milan struggled to maintain control throughout the match. The penalty came, following a handball by Schlotterbeck. However, the French striker’s weak kick was saved by Gregor Kobel. Dortmund quickly capitalized on an opportunity, earning a penalty themselves, which Marco Reus successfully converted.
Samuel Chukwueze scored his first goal for AC Milan in the match – Getty image Milan responded with a brilliant solo effort from Samuel Chukwueze. The Nigerian dribbled past two defenders, to level the score at half time, marking his first goal for the Italian side. Unfortunately for Milan, the second half took an unexpected turn, as Milan defender Malick Thiaw sustained a hamstring injury, forcing a defensive reshuffle. Dortmund took advantage of the situation, with Jamie Bynoe-Gittens restoring their lead with a well-placed shot. The woes continued for Milan as substitute Karim Adeyemi sealed Dortmund’s victory with a quick strike from the edge of the area. Despite late attempts from Milan, including a header from Luka Jovic hitting the woodwork, they couldn’t overturn the deficit. This defeat leaves Milan at risk of dropping into the Europa League, as the sit at the bottom of Group F.
Arsenal reject Milan, Roma interest in Jakub Kiwior
Arsenal have reportedly closed the door on potential January moves for defender Jakub Kiwior, with Milan and Roma expressing interest. The 23-year-old Polish center-back joined Arsenal from Spezia in January for a deal valued at around €25 million plus add-ons.
Jakub Kiwior during his debut for Arsenal – Getty image Despite limited playing time this season, with only 367 minutes across eight games, Milan and Roma were considering a loan move for Kiwior. Both clubs are seeking defensive reinforcements due to their key players injuries. The Serie A clubs are said to have approached Arsenal to discuss the possibility of securing Kiwior’s services on loan. However, Arsenal have denied them any potential hope of acquiring the 23-year-old, not even on a loan deal come January.
AC Milan salvage 2-1 victory against PSG to break deadlock
AC Milan managed to secure their first victory in the Champions League by defeating Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) 2-1. The Italian team had struggled in the competition with two points and no goals in their previous three matches. Rafael Leao scored the opening goal for Milan with an acrobatic bicycle kick, and Olivier Giroud added another with a header. PSG, on the other hand, managed to find the net through former Inter defender Milan Skriniar. AC Milan players celebrate their victory – Getty image The match saw Milan ultras preparing thousands of fake banknotes with Gianluigi Donnarumma’s face on them to throw at the PSG goalkeeper. Donnarumma was facing Milan as an opponent for the first time since his free transfer in 2021. Despite missing several key players, Milan delivered a solid performance, and their victory revived their hopes of advancing in the Champions League, after Newcastle lost to Dortmund.
Mbappe on target as PSG beat AC Milan 3-0
AC Milan Champions League hopes are hanging in the air after a 3-0 defeat to PSG, including a goal from Kylian Mbappe. Others on the score sheet for the French club are Randal Kolo Muani, and Kang-in Lee. The match was crucial for both teams to keep their Champions League hopes alive. Just like their last match against Juventus, Milan was without key players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Noah Okafor, Samuel Chukwueze, and Ismael Bennacer. Kylian Mbappe’s goal – Getty image On the other hand, the host were also without some notable names in their team, such as Marco Asensio, Presnel Kimpembe, and Nuno Mendes. Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring for PSG after cutting inside and finishing at the near post. Milan attempted to take the initiative but struggled to break down the PSG defense. PSG doubled their lead when Randal Kolo Muani capitalized on a rebound following a corner. Despite moments of promise from Milan, including a strong shot from Olivier Giroud, PSG remained in control. The French side added a third goal late in the match to seal the victory. The defeat leaves Milan button of Group F, with two points in three games.
AC Milan completes signing of Noah Okafor
Serie A side, AC Milan have signed 23-year-old Switzerland forward Noah Okafor from Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg.AC Milan announced on Saturday, July 22, that Noah Okafor signed a five-season contract following a transfer from Red Bull Salzburg that was reportedly worth 14 million euros ($15.5 million). Okafor came through the youth ranks at Basel, making his professional debut in 2018 and scoring seven goals in 54 games. He moved to Salzburg in January 2020 and attracted the attention of Milan after netting 34 times in 110 appearances, helping the club to four Austrian Bundesliga titles and three Austrian Cups. Confirming he’s joined AC Milan, Okafor said; “AC Milan has always been my dream club. When I was a kid I admired Kaka and Ronaldinho playing in this jersey, and last year I had the great pleasure of playing against them at San Siro, wearing the Salzburg jersey. For us the result was a disaster, but the experience of feeling the power in such a stadium was incredible. I personally experienced this passion of the Rossoneri fans and was enchanted by it. I also scored for AC Milan in the Champions League and later had a conversation Leao. Noah Okafor training with RB Salzburg. Source: Getty “Since Milan became interested in me, I asked Rafa for some information and he told me how great and legendary this club is. I can’t wait to meet my new teammates, the Coach, all the staff members, managers and everyone at the club. I always wanted to come to Milan. Now I am here and I can’t wait to feel and absorb all the enthusiasm and passion of the fans. And I want to help Milan write special stories and win. Thank you for allowing me to be here.” The Swiss footballer is joining AC Milan after the arrival of Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tijjani Reijnders who all signed with the Serie A side after former captain Paolo Maldini was let go as sporting director. Okafor made his international debut in June 2019 against England, while his first Switzerland goal secured his country’s qualification for the World Cup in Qatar. He was included in the squad for the finals and came on as a substitute in three of Switzerland’s four games.
Inter Milan pull out of race to sign Lukaku
Inter Milan have reportedly informed Chelsea that they no longer wish to pursue the signing of striker Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian forward arrived back at Chelsea for his second stint for a whopping £97.5 million back in 2021 from Inter. But after just one difficult season back at the Blues he was shipped off back to the Serie A club on loan last season. Romelu Lukaku at the 2023 Champions League final for Inter Milan. Source: Getty Lukaku scored 14 goals in 37 appearances during his loan spell with Inter last season and helped them to reach the Champions League final. Inter were desperate to keep the 30-year-old forward but they have so far been refusing to meet Chelsea’s asking price, despite it being vastly reduced from what they paid for him two years ago. They launched a second bid of £27.5m this week with the Blues demanding £34m, but have now allegedly pulled out of a potential deal. It was gathered that Inter Milan is furious after discovering advisers working on behalf of Lukaku had held secret talks with Juventus. While such conversations are legal and standard at this stage of negotiations, Inter have been left disappointed by the situation as they believed Lukaku’s only interest was returning to the Nerazzurri, a message insiders insist came from the player himself.
Romelu Lukaku frustrated after losing a chance to score a goal for Belgium. Source: Getty Juventus are now leading the race for the striker’s signature while Lukaku is desperate to leave Chelsea this summer. Juve however need to sell Dusan Vlahovic to finance a move for Lukaku, meaning the Belgian may now be forced to return for pre-season with Chelsea. Lukaku has already turned down a move to Saudi Arabia and Chelsea gave him an extended summer break to seal a future away from Stamford Bridge.
AC Milan reach agreement to sign Chelsea star Pulisic
Christian Pulisic is set to become the second Chelsea player to join AC Milan this summer after the two clubs agreed a fee for his transfer. Pulisic has been a transfer target for Milan right from the time the season ended. The Italian giants have been in constant dialogue with Chelsea and they have finally managed to secure his services.
Christian Pulisic thanking fans after a match for Chelsea. Source: Getty The American international came through the ranks at Borussia Dortmund and made quite a name for himself. He was one of the best young players in world football during his days with the German club. His exceptional performances and huge potential attracted the attention of numerous clubs from across Europe. Finally, Chelsea managed to acquire his services in a big money move back in the winter of 2019. While he did get off to a good start with the Blues, injuries have hampered his progress at the English club. Of late, the 24-year-old has gone down the pecking order. He might have featured in 30 matches last season but in reality, Pulisic was on the pitch for just over 1000 minutes.
Christian Pulisic at a match for USMNT. Source: Getty Pulisic who will be joining AC Milan on a deal reportedly worth more than €20 million ($21.8m), reportedly agreed on personal terms to play for the Italian club a few weeks ago, turning down a €25 million ($27.2 million) bid from French club Lyon. Confirming Christian Pulisic will be leaving Chelsea for AC Milan this summer, popular journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted; “Christian Pulisic to AC Milan, here we go! Deal in place between clubs as Chelsea accepted conditions of final bid. “Personal terms agreed weeks ago as the player only wanted Milan — pushing for this new chapter. Medical/travel being scheduled.” Excellent relationship between Chelsea and AC Milan was crucial to get Pulisic deal done today. 🔴⚫️🇺🇸 Player was pushing since Monday to join Milan, not considering any other club or destination. Deal worth more €20m with add-ons. After Loftus-Cheek, Pulisic also done. pic.twitter.com/BenghzPorm — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 7, 2023 The United States men’s national team captain joined Chelsea in 2019 on a £58m transfer from Bundesliga’s Borussia Dortmund, still the most money an American player has gotten on a transfer. He has managed 145 appearances in all competitions, chipping in with 26 goals and 21 assists, but rarely saw an extended run of starts. Pulisic, whose Croatian passport helps Milan meet their non-EU rules, enjoyed an excellent post-lockdown streak in the second half of the prolonged 2019/20 campaign, bagging four goals and four assists in nine outings, and will now hope to bring that form to Milan.
Newcastle confirm signing of Sandro Tonali from AC Milan
Newcastle United on Monday, July 3, announced the signing of Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali from AC Milan on a five-year contract. Tonali who is Newcastle’s first signing this summer, was signed for a reported fee of £60 million. Speaking to the club’s website, he said; Sandro Tonali thanking AC Milan fans after a match. Source: Getty “First of all, I want to thank Newcastle United because they are giving me a huge opportunity for my career. “I want to repay the trust on the pitch, giving it my all, as I always have. I’m really excited about playing at St. James’ Park, I can’t wait to feel the warmth of the fans.” The Italian footballer made 130 appearances for Milan after initially joining the club on a season-long loan from Brescia in 2020. He made his loan move permanent the following year after a successful debut season. He made 48 appearances in all competitions last season and helped Milan finish fourth in Serie A. He also helped Milan reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2007. Commenting on the new signing, Newcastle coach Eddie Howe said; “He is an exceptional talent and has the mentality, physicality, and technical attributes to be a great fit for us.
Sandro Tonali training with Italian team. Source: Getty “At 23, Sandro already has important experience as a key player in one of Europe’s top leagues and in the Champions League, as well as playing for his country. “But he also has the opportunity and potential to grow and evolve with us, and I’m excited to add him to our squad as we approach the exciting season ahead.” Tonali will now link up with his new team-mates ahead of the new campaign. Newcastle’s first game of the season is against Aston Villa at St James’ Park on August 12. Newcastle has also been linked with a move for Southampton fullback Tino Livramento and potential loans for midfielders Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City and Conor Gallagher from Chelsea. Eighteen-year-old Gambia forward Yankuba Minteh has joined from Danish team Odense, but will spend a year on loan at Dutch club Feyenoord.