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Serie A side Milan were keen on the appointment of a new sporting director in the summer. That didn’t quite happen as the club faced several issues in a possible appointment but the idea hasn’t gone away, with Bournemouth’s Tiago Pinto seen as a candidate.
**La Gazzetta dello Sport** [report](https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Milan/10-10-2026/milan-cardinale-in-summit-a-milanello-sul-nuovo-capo-del-calcio-i-candidati.shtml) that Gerry Cardinale is keen to add a specialist to the role soon, having being personally involved in recruitment in the summer.
Markus Krösche remains a candidate after Milan’s failed summer attempts but Bournemouth’s Tiago Pinto is also on the shortlist. He had a spell with Roma in the past and has had a big role to play in the Cherries’ rise to European qualification last season.
Also in the running is ex-Marseille director Mehdi Benatia, who has expressed his willingness to return to Italy, where he starred during his playing days.
**Pinto move could be shrewd**
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Milan have, in the last few seasons, been very close to Jorge Mendes. The same applies to Pinto, who has worked closely with the super-agent at Bournemouth.
Besides, his appointment could help Ruben Amorim, as the compatriots could unite in Milan and possibly build a good relationship with a working capacity.
Kaustubh Pandey – GIFN