European growth, accounts, mercato and more: Seven reasons for Milan fans to be optimistic

There is a lot of negative press surrounding AC Milan at the moment given the amount of perceived uncertainty hanging over the club after what has been a difficult season.

We have already written about them at length, from the fan protests against the potential hiring of Julen Lopetegui to the complex nature of Milan’s hierarchy and why too many gears might cause a jam.

The social media sphere surrounding Milan continues to be toxic. Arguments over who should be the next head coach and striker drive a further divide into a fanbase that are confused and hungry for success.

Throughout the season we would like to think that we have done a good job of documenting the highs and the lows, such is the duty in the search of objectivity. There have been challenging stretches that have pushed patience to the limits as part of that.

At a time when it is hard to be positive, it is sometimes important to step back, take stock and realise that there are still some things to be optimistic about, as we have highlighted below.

As a disclaimer, this piece might not be for you. Some prefer to focus on the problems that must be fixed and that is absolutely fine, but please try to understand that this is not an attempt to pull the wool over anyone’s eyes, just a chance to point out the foundations to build on.

1. European pedigree

Milan have qualified for the upcoming (new and richer) Champions League for the fourth consecutive time, following a seven-year absence from the top European competition (from 2014 to 2021).

It has been spoken about time and time again by all ownerships – not just the present one – that securing continuous UCL football is a fundamental foundation of future success because of the revenues it brings.

Some might have thought it was an absolute given after the 2021-22 season, but Napoli’s plight this season after their title win and Lazio’s drop off from second last year shows that it is actually not straightforward to keep being among the top four.

Additionally, the victory over Cagliari secured the team’s place in the Final Four of the Italian Super Cup, to be held in Saudi Arabia. That will bring in a nice chunk of extra money.

2. An exciting summer

After the sacking of Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara caused a stir, Geoffrey Moncada and his team got to work bringing in 10 players during the last summer transfer window.

The investments made by Milan last summer have proven successful on the field at least in terms of numbers. Players acquired by the Rossoneri in summer 2023 have collectively contributed 47 goals and 23 assists this season, accounting for 73.7% of all goals scored.