When Zlatan Ibrahimovic announced his role as Milan's consultant, many had imagined a behind-the-scenes, symbolic figure, meant more to lend prestige than to actually influence the club’s strategies. Instead, reality is proving to be quite different. The Swede is much more active than expected and doesn’t limit himself to attending events or making public statements: he makes decisions, suggests moves, and moves pieces on the board.
The most recent and striking case concerns Adriano Galliani. The former historic CEO of Milan, a key figure during the Berlusconi era, could be about to return to the Rossoneri as a 'head of football' for football policy: a significant position, ranging from relationships within Serie A League to the more subtle dynamics of the decision-making rooms of Italian football. And, according to what has emerged, it was Ibrahimovic himself who made the first move, contacting Galliani personally to gauge his availability. A gesture that was not a matter of chance, but part of a precise strategy: to bring back to Milanello a man of relationships, capable of weaving networks of influence like few others.
With the possible return of Galliani, or ‘The Condor’, as the fans like to call him, excitement is growing among supporters who are eager to see him once again take the lead behind the scenes, particularly in managing relations with the governing bodies of Italian football.
During his previous tenure, Adriano played a key role in ensuring that the Rossoneri had influence and weight in Lega Serie A meetings (and also in transfer market negotiations). His comeback and expertise could also bring renewed energy to the locker room, as he has always maintained strong relationships with players.
This return might spark even greater fan engagement, both in terms of emotional support and potentially increased activity in betting on the team, as supporters look to capitalise on Milan’s momentum. To help with that, here’s a list of the best soccer betting sites. Each platform offers something unique, but all are reliable, safe, and well-regarded, which makes them excellent choices for fans looking to get involved.
A double move signed by Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Adriano Galliani and Igli Tare
Ibrahimovic’s leadership had already been seen in another crucial moment of this Rossoneri summer: the arrival of Igli Tare as the new sporting director. The former Lazio executive, known for his skills in scouting and contract management, was strongly backed by the Swede, who promoted his name to the club’s top management. Two moves, that of Galliani and that of Tare, which confirm how Ibrahimovic’s role is anything but marginal.
Indeed, if there’s a common thread connecting these moves, it’s the idea of creating a bridge between today’s Milan and that of a victorious past, with experienced executives who can navigate the often-turbulent waters of Italian football.
Six heads for one AC Milan club: confusion at the top?
There is a downside, however, today, Milan could find itself with six high-profile figures holding decision-making power:
- Zlatan Ibrahimovic, consultant
- Adriano Galliani, head of football (potentially)
- Giorgio Furlani, CEO
- Gerry Cardinale, president and owner of RedBird and Milan
- Igli Tare, sporting director
- Paul Singer, head of Elliott, the fund that financed RedBird’s acquisition of the club.
A multiplication of command centers that risks turning into a dispersion of responsibilities. Who really decides the strategies? Who has the final word on transfer market choices, internal policies, and institutional relations? In such a crowded environment, the risk is that every decision becomes the result of lengthy negotiations, if not outright hidden conflicts.
Adriano Galliani, a return that divides...
For Rossoneri fans, the name Galliani evokes mixed emotions. For some, he is the symbol of an unrepeatable era, made of champions and triumphs in Italy and Europe. For others, the last stretch of his management is associated with a declining Milan, dealing with budget recovery and a progressively weakened squad.
In terms of political and institutional relations, however, few in Italy can boast his experience and specific influence. Ibrahimovic knows this well, and perhaps for this very reason wanted to bring him back to the Rossoneri.
The former CEO brings would be able to bring him a well-established network of contacts within Serie A League, UEFA, and the FIGC. At a time when Italian football reforms, television rights, and revenue distribution are burning issues, having Galliani by one's side can represent a significant strategic advantage.
The near future between opportunities and unknowns:
On one hand, the Ibrahimovic–Galliani duo could provide Milan with a mix of charisma and competence capable of having a deep impact on the club’s future. On the other, the current fragmentation of power risks slowing down decision-making processes at a time when Milan needs clarity, speed, and unity of purpose.
Galliani’s return is not just a sentimental move or nostalgic operation: it is a clear signal. Milan wants to have more influence at the important decision-making tables, to move beyond the perception of being an “international” club with little impact on the inner workings of Italian football.
What remains to be seen is whether six heads will be able to think like one. Because, as history (and Galliani himself) teaches, in football those who win are the ones who know how to decide quickly and act consistently. And this Milan, today, still has to prove that it can do that.
