Krösche, Boto, Özek and Ausilio: A look at the four leading Head of Football candidates

AC Milan owner Gerry Cardinale is reportedly prioritizing the appointment of a new Head of Football before Christmas, according to SempreMilan. Following reports from Tuttosport linking four leading candidates to the role, the publication analyzed the potential options: Eintracht Frankfurt's Markus Krösche, Flamengo technical director José Boto, former Bayer Leverkusen figure Devin Özek, and long-serving Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio.

SempreMilan notes that Krösche remains admired for squad building despite renewing with Frankfurt, while Boto represents a spend-to-win approach following recent league titles in Brazil. The analysis also highlights Özek's club-first philosophy from his time at Leverkusen and considers Ausilio an experienced but unlikely candidate due to his deep ties with cross-city rivals Inter.