# AC Milan strategic overhaul and investment shift > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ac-milan-strategic-overhaul > Updated: 2026-08-24T15:48:30.000Z. Sources: 22. Developments: 4. In late July 2026, AC Milan players and leadership began signaling a shift in club direction. During a preseason tour in Perth, defender Matteo Gabbia noted that president Gerry Cardinale’s presence is “very important” to the club’s ambition to raise standards. This internal shift aligns with a broader cultural transformation where Cardinale defined the club’s goal as a mandate to “play to win, not to avoid losing.” By late August, Cardinale shifted strategic focus toward aggressive on-field investment, highlighted by the 50 million euro acquisition of Diego Moreira. To facilitate this, Cardinale has visited the Milanello training center to hold strategic meetings with head coach Ruben Amorim and club management ahead of the Serie A opener against Torino. These discussions involve clarifying squad composition and managing player departures to fund further reinforcements. The future of Rafael Leao remains highly uncertain; the winger is reportedly seeking a move to the Premier League, and his agent is actively exploring options. While Galatasaray has expressed interest, Milan is seeking a valuation between 40 and 60 million euros. Leao has reportedly missed recent training sessions and is expected to be unavailable for the match against Torino. Additionally, the club is managing the potential exits of several players identified as being outside the immediate project, including Fikayo Tomori, Christopher Nkunku, Youssouf Fofana, and Santiago Gimenez. Following the season opener, Cardinale has adopted a more hands-on leadership style, increasing his presence at Milanello to foster closer relationships with staff and players. This active role was highlighted during a 2-1 victory against Torino, where Cardinale reportedly motivated the squad in the dressing room. By early September, Cardinale has moved away from a remote ownership model to lead major transfer negotiations and participate directly in decision-making alongside Amorim. ## Claims - AC Milan is owned by Gerry Cardinale through the RedBird fund. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Ibrahimović said he is sure 100 % that Cardinale will succeed. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Zlatan Ibrahimović is Senior Advisor of the RedBird investment fund. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The WSJ Sports Event was organized by the Wall Street Journal on 16 July 2026 in the United States. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Ibrahimović joked that Cardinale promised to make him a billionaire. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Ibrahimović advises Cardinale to stay calm and avoid emotional decisions. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Ibrahimović helps Cardinale navigate football decisions and cultural change at Milan. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Gerry Cardinale has shifted his strategic direction regarding AC Milan management. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The acquisition of Diego Moreira serves as evidence of the change in ownership strategy. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The club spent 50 million euros on a single talent, indicating a willingness to spend significant sums. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Gerry Cardinale has shifted his strategic direction to focus entirely on on-field performance and returning AC Milan to its former status. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The acquisition of Diego Moreira for 50 million euros serves as evidence of this new investment strategy. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-24: Gerry Cardinale adopts active role in AC Milan restructuring AC Milan owner Gerry Cardinale is taking a more active role at the club, overseeing a strategic squad rebuild and targeted transfer activity to support manager Ruben Amorim's vision. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gerry-cardinale-adopts-active-role-in-ac-milan-restructuring ### 2026-08-20: Gerry Cardinale visits Milanello to discuss club project and player transfers AC Milan owner Gerry Cardinale met with staff and players at Milanello to discuss the club's new project and the potential transfer of Rafael Leão, who is reportedly seeking a move to the Premier League. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gerry-cardinale-shifts-ac-milan-strategy-toward-increased-investment ### 2026-07-29: Gerry Cardinale and Zlatan Ibrahimović outline AC Milan strategy at WSJ Sports Event Zlatan Ibrahimović, Senior Advisor of RedBird, and AC Milan owner Gerry Cardinale discussed the club’s cultural overhaul and strategy at the WSJ Sports Event on 16 July 2026, with Ibrahimović urging calm, data‑ 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zlatan-ibrahimovi-advises-redbird-as-ac-milan-owner-discusses-club-strategy ### 2026-07-29: AC Milan defender Matteo Gabbia says president Gerry Cardinale aims to raise club ambitions Milan defender Matteo Gabbia, on the Perth tour, said president Gerry Cardinale is ambitious and wants to change the club’s course, praised teammates Rafael Leao, Tomislav Modric and Mario Gila, and stressed a 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ac-milan-defender-matteo-gabbia-praises-ambitious-president-gerry-cardinale-during-australian-tour --- Cite as: AC Milan strategic overhaul and investment shift. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ac-milan-strategic-overhaul