Markus Krösche turns down AC Milan head of football role to stay at Eintracht Frankfurt
AC Milan have been rebuffed in their pursuit of Eintracht Frankfurt sport chief Markus Krösche, who will remain in Germany despite a lucrative offer until 2030, leaving the Italian giants scrambling for a new sporting director just two weeks before the transfer window opens.
The Milan approach
AC Milan, seeking a new technical director, targeted Eintracht Frankfurt Sportvorstand Markus Krösche. Bild reports the Serie A club offered a contract running to 2030 and the position of Head of Football. Krösche, who is 45, has built a strong reputation over five years at the Bundesliga side, orchestrating player sales for record fees, including Hugo Ekitiké for nearly €100 million last summer.
Week of decision
The offer was presented over the weekend of 13–14 June. On Monday 15 June, Krösche informed the Eintracht board of Milan’s interest. As speculation mounted, multiple Italian journalists reported a done deal, but Frankfurt insiders remained uncertain. On Wednesday 17 June, Krösche confirmed he would stay.
Markus Krösche will stay at Eintracht Frankfurt. No immediate move to AC Milan. There were contacts and concrete interest, but Krösche turned down Milan.
Reports that Krösche had already given his green light or that agreements had been reached with Milan were always far from reality.
Contractual hurdle
Krösche is tied to Eintracht Frankfurt until 2028 and, according to ANSA, intends to see his contract through. To secure him Milan would have needed to pay about €10 million in compensation, a sum described by Il Fatto Quotidiano as a high price for a manager. Eintracht’s position was clear: they would only negotiate if Krösche explicitly asked to leave, which he did not.
- Milan presents head of football offer to Krösche
- Krösche informs Eintracht Frankfurt of Milan interest
- Italian media report agreement; Frankfurt uncertain
- Krösche confirms he will stay in Frankfurt
Milan’s next move
With the summer transfer market opening on 1 July, Milan must now restart their director search. Owner Gerry Cardinale and senior advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic are back to evaluating candidates. Among the names now rising is Devin Özek, a 31‑year‑old German who was sporting director at Fenerbahce until May, after a successful spell with Bayer Leverkusen where he won the Bundesliga and reached the Europa League final.
