A final step: a notable German signing on the way to Milan

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Milan want to strengthen their administrative structure for the next phase, and they're turning to one of the most prominent executives to have made his mark on German football in recent years. It's a move that could prove an important addition to the Italian club's project, though its completion still hinges on financial understandings with the other party.

According to German network "Sky Sport", the prospect of former Eintracht Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krosche joining Milan has become more serious now that the two clubs are talking. No final agreement has been reached so far, with discussions continuing over the financial compensation for the deal.

Frankfurt relieved Krosche of his duties as sporting director on 18 October, after around five and a half years in the role. They did not terminate his contract, however, as the 46-year-old's deal still runs until 2028.

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Krosche, the network explained, insisted on a clause allowing him to leave for another club as part of the arrangements for his dismissal. That means any club wishing to sign him before the summer of 2027 would have to pay between 5 and 7 million euros, unless the two parties agree on different financial terms.

At Milan, Krosche is expected to take on the same role at the head of the football department, according to the same network. The date of 1 January 2027 has been put forward to begin his work, coinciding with the start of the winter transfer window, though the negotiations have yet to reach their final stages.

Frankfurt settle on the name of Krosche's successor

Frankfurt, meanwhile, have settled the matter of Krosche's succession. They've agreed to appoint Jute Tzatzialxiou, the former Nurnberg official, as their new sporting director.

Tzatzialxiou, 49, is set to officially begin his duties on 1 February 2027, with the possibility of joining before that date as talks continue between the parties concerned.

The German official will sign a contract with Frankfurt running until 2030. His move from Nurnberg is worth around 500,000 euros, with the deal benefiting from a clause in his old contract that allows him to leave.

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