Ruben Amorim Leaves English Struggles Behind To Test Italian Waters With AC Milan Move

Ruben Amorim is reportedly close to returning to management, with AC Milan moving to appoint the Portuguese coach as their next manager. The former Sporting CP and Manchester United boss is said to have reached an agreement in principle with the Serie A club, though the final approval from Milan ownership is still awaited.

The proposed deal would take Amorim to San Siro on an initial two-year contract, with an option to extend for a further season. Reports in Portugal have claimed the agreement includes a salary of around €3.5 million per year, plus bonuses linked to trophies and Champions League qualification.

Ruben Amorim To AC Milan: Contract Details

Amorim has been out of work since leaving Manchester United in January. He was expected to take time away from football after a difficult

spell in England, but Milan's interest appears to have changed those plans. The chance to take charge of one of Europe's most decorated clubs has pushed talks forward quickly.

AC Milan are looking for a new manager after deciding to move on from Massimiliano Allegri. The club's priority is to rebuild its domestic challenge and return to the Champions League. Milan have been unable to qualify for Europe's top competition in the last two seasons, making that target central to the new appointment.

The financial structure of Amorim's deal reflects that pressure. His base salary is not among the highest in elite European football, but the bonus package is expected to reward silverware and Champions League qualification. That gives Milan some control over fixed costs while tying the coach's earnings to clear sporting goals.

🚨🔴⚫️ BREAKING: Rúben Amorim to AC Milan as new head coach, HERE WE GO! 🇵🇹

Verbal agreement done on deal valid until June 2028 plus option until June 2029.

Amorim has accepted all conditions and will sign this week as new Milan manager. 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 pic.twitter.com/j3ry7G3mYq

- Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 15, 2026

A final green light from Gerry Cardinale, the head of RedBird Capital and owner of AC Milan, is still required before the appointment can be completed. Once that approval arrives, Amorim is expected to travel to Milan to sign the contract and begin pre-season planning with the club's directors.

Why Milan Approached Amorim?

Milan considered other candidates during their managerial search, including Matthias Jaissle. Amorim's availability, however, made him a more straightforward option. As a free agent, he does not require a release clause or compensation fee, which can be a major factor for clubs balancing squad investment with coaching changes.

Amorim's appeal comes from his work at Sporting CP, where he built a reputation as one of Europe's most progressive young coaches. His Sporting side played with aggressive pressing, clear positional structure, and a back-three system that allowed wing-backs to attack high up the pitch. That identity helped him earn a move to the Premier League.

His time at Manchester United was far more complicated. The job came with intense pressure, an uneven squad and limited patience. His January exit was costly for United, especially since he had arrived with a sizeable coaching staff. A quick return to management now changes the financial picture for the English club.

If Amorim joins Milan, Manchester United are expected to receive significant relief on compensation payments. The club had been facing a large financial hit from the dismissal of Amorim and his backroom team. A new job would reduce the amount United owe, easing part of the burden from another expensive managerial reset.

Is San Siro An Easy Job After Fiasco At OT?

The Milan job offers prestige, but it also comes with immediate pressure. The club's supporters expect a team capable of challenging at the top of Serie A. Missing out on Champions League football has reduced both status and revenue, making the next campaign especially important for the wider project under RedBird.

Amorim would need to assess whether Milan's squad suits his preferred shape. His best teams have relied on centre-backs comfortable in possession, energetic midfielders and wide players who can operate as wing-backs. If Milan commit fully to his model, recruitment will be crucial during the summer window.

The Portuguese coach also faces the challenge of adapting to Serie A. Italian football remains tactically demanding, with opponents often well organised without the ball. Amorim's ability to coach patterns, pressing triggers and defensive spacing will be tested quickly, particularly against clubs with settled systems and experienced managers.

For Milan, the appointment would also represent a shift towards a younger coaching profile. Amorim is still in the early part of his managerial career, but he has already worked at major clubs and handled high expectations. That combination appears to have made him attractive to a board seeking both identity and results.

The move is not official until Milan complete the final formalities. But if the deal is approved, Amorim's return will be one of the most closely watched managerial appointments of the summer. It would give Milan a defined tactical direction, while also offering the coach a chance to rebuild his reputation after a difficult spell in England.