Oliver Glasner, the Austrian tactician, is reportedly in advanced talks with Italian Serie ACompetition·Serie A club AC MilanTeam·AC Milan, positioning himself for an immediate return to management. This development follows his departure from Crystal PalaceTeam·Crystal Palace at the conclusion of the 2025/26 season, where he achieved notable success.
Glasner confirmed his intention to leave Crystal PalaceTeam·Crystal Palace in January 2026, citing a desire for a "new challenge" and expressing frustrations regarding the club's transfer decisions, which saw key players like Marc GuéhiPlayer·Marc Guéhi and Eberechi EzePlayer·Eberechi Eze depart. Despite these challenges, Glasner guided Crystal PalaceTeam·Crystal Palace to a historic 2025 FA CupCompetition·FA Cup victory, secured the 2025 Community Shield, and notably led them to their first-ever European trophy by winning the UEFA Conference League in May 2026, defeating Rayo VallecanoTeam·Rayo Vallecano 1-0 in the final.
AC MilanTeam·AC Milan, meanwhile, concluded their 2025/26 Serie ACompetition·Serie A season in a disappointing fifth place, failing to qualify for the prestigious UEFA Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League. This outcome prompted significant changes within the club's hierarchy, including the dismissal of coach Massimiliano Allegri, along with CEO Giorgio Furlani, sporting director Igli Tare, and technical director Geoffrey Moncada.
Reports from Italy indicate that Glasner has identified Milan as his preferred destination. He is currently awaiting a formal offer after positive initial discussions with representatives from the Italian club, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Gerry Cardinale. His agent is reportedly confident that an agreement can be reached, with Glasner having already turned down an offer from Dutch side FeyenoordTeam·Feyenoord while he awaits Milan's decision.
Should Glasner be appointed, he is expected to implement his favored defensive shape, often utilizing a back three. This tactical approach aligns with systems previously employed by Massimiliano Allegri during his second tenure at Milan. The potential arrival of Glasner could also influence future transfer activity, with Crystal PalaceTeam·Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe MatetaPlayer·Jean-Philippe Mateta and Austrian defender David AlabaPlayer·David Alaba, who is set to become a free agent after leaving Real MadridTeam·Real Madrid, being linked with a move to San SiroVenue·San Siro.
Furthermore, speculation suggests a potential reunion with Ralf Rangnick, who is anticipated to lead a new managerial structure at Milan. This prospective appointment marks a significant rebuilding phase for AC MilanTeam·AC Milan, as the club aims to reclaim a UEFA Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League spot and re-establish its identity after a season characterized by upheaval. While other clubs, including Bayer LeverkusenTeam·Bayer Leverkusen and FulhamTeam·Fulham, had shown interest in Glasner's services, Bayer LeverkusenTeam·Bayer Leverkusen has since appointed Carles Martínez Novell as their new head coach, and FulhamTeam·Fulham is reportedly seeking a replacement for Marco SilvaCoach·Marco Silva.
Coventry City's Romain Esse (14) advances with the ball during a Championship match. Credit: Pro Sports Images/IMAGO
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