The season is coming to an end, and at Milan's home, it's time to plan for the next year to continue the project.
With the success against Cagliari, the Rossoneri have arithmetically secured second place, which guarantees qualification for the next Italian Super Cup, to be held in Saudi Arabia. This comes after already securing a spot in the next edition with the new format of the Champions League.
The upcoming season will see Milan engaged on various fronts, with the Rossoneri vying for several trophies.
In May, as the season draws to a close, it's time for assessments. The Milanese club and its fans can certainly look to the future with optimism. Here are 10 reasons why they can do so.
RedBird's ambition:
The project of RedBird and Gerry Cardinale envisions a Milan experiencing strong growth from a sporting perspective, and beyond.
The modus operandi of the ownership involves reinvesting all generated revenues back into the team and the club with the aim of fostering further growth.
It's a virtuous cycle: revenues fuel investments, which yield better performances, leading to new revenues.
Sporting results:
AC Milan has qualified for the next (new and richer) Champions League for the fourth consecutive time, after a period of 7 years of absence from the top European competition (from 2014 to 2021) - winning a Scudetto in 2021/22 and finishing in second place twice in the last four seasons.
Furthermore, thanks to the victory over Cagliari, the Rossoneri team has qualified for the Final Four of the Italian Super Cup, which will be held in Saudi Arabia.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic:
The return of Zlatan Ibrahimovic represents a valuable addition in terms of charisma and identity for Milan.
The Swedish player provides a guarantee from a sporting perspective thanks to his extensive experience, made available to the club.
A winning market:
The investments made by Milan last summer have proven successful according to the ultimate judge, the field.
The players purchased by the Rossoneri club in the summer of 2023 collectively scored 47 goals and provided 23 assists, for a total of 70 contributions to goal realization this season: 73.7% of all goals scored this season have seen the contribution of a new acquisition.
Looking ahead to the next season, CEO Furlani has already clarified the club's ambitions: "The philosophy is to improve the team. Last year we made many changes because it was necessary to change the team, this year it will be a more targeted work because the foundations have been laid."
Growth of the youth sector:
The AC Milan continues to work on the Under 23 team project to further strengthen the youth sector, which continues to provide insights and achieve results.
Six Primavera players made their debut in the First Team with Stefano Pioli this season, while the Primavera itself reached the UEFA Youth League final for the first time and the UEFA Youth League Final Four for the second consecutive year.
Not to mention the extraordinary achievement of the Women's Primavera, which won the championship for the first time this season.
Financial strength:
The latest financial report showed a profit after 17 years (since 2006), with record revenues exceeding +400.
The forecast for the current budget closure is equally positive and could allow for further investments in the sports sector.
Commercial Agreements:
In addition to the sporting aspect, AC Milan continues to work on the commercial front.
In the 2022/23 season, the Rossoneri club closed 31 agreements, including significant renewals with Puma and Emirates, and last November inaugurated Casa Milan Dubai, the new headquarters of the Club in the Middle East.
Growing Brand:
In addition to the sporting aspect, AC Milan continues to grow in terms of Brand, according to industry estimates.
Brand Finance highlighted the growth of the AC Milan brand value, which was the highest growth worldwide in 2023.
Furthermore, AC Milan is the most esteemed Italian football club in the United States and China according to the international market research by YouGov.
In 'The European Elite 2023' - Football Benchmark's annual report on the health of European football that ranks the 32 most valuable football clubs in Europe, AC Milan emerged as the club with the greatest increase in business value.
Legal Matter:
The legal action taken by Skye Blue against former AC Milan owner Elliott Management was dismissed by the Luxembourg court, and the proceedings have been concluded.
The Chambre du Conseil of the Luxembourg Court issued a non-proceedings order, dismissing all criminal investigations against Rossoneri Sport Investment (i.e., Elliott) and its executives.
New stadium:
AC Milan and RedBird ownership are working on the realization of the new stadium.
Cardinal considers the facility crucial for the club's future and to remain in the elite of European and world football.
