RedBird chief Gerry Cardinale was at today’s Milan summit and named Massimo Calvelli new CEO, after Zlatan Ibrahimovic publicly praised target Kerim Alajbegovic. ‘That is rare.’
It was the first big meeting since the club decided on its new hierarchy, but Cardinale himself had not been expected at Casa Milan headquarters.
According to Sport Mediaset, it was attended by Cardinale, new CEO Massimo Calvelli, Director of Player Trading Hendrik Almstadt, Director of Football Intelligence Bobby Gardiner, and chief scout Donato Lomonte.
Ibrahimovic keeping eye on Milan target
RedBird Special Advisor Ibrahimovic could not participate, as he is in the USA working for Fox Sports as a television pundit during the World Cup.
However, he has been acting as a scout for Milan anyway, with his comments on the sensational goal scored by Bosnia and Herzegovina talent Alajbegovic.
“Everybody is talking about the goal, but for me the goal is not the biggest thing. The biggest thing is the courage,” said Ibrahimovic on Fox Sports.
“An 18-year-old in the World Cup, under pressure, with millions watching, and he plays like he owns the stadium. That is rare.
“Many young players have talent. Talent is everywhere. But talent without personality means nothing. When I watched Kerim, I did not see a young player hoping to have a good game. I saw a player who believed he was the best player on the pitch.
“The finish was beautiful, yes. The technique was perfect, yes. But what impressed me was the confidence before the goal. The way he demanded the ball, the way he attacked the moment. Great players do not wait for opportunities. They create them,” added Ibrahimovic.
It has long been reported that Alajbegovic is eager for a Serie A move, as Bayer Leverkusen intend to sell after his impressive loan experience with RB Salzburg.
However, Roma, Napoli and Atalanta do not seem to consider him a priority at all, so it could give Milan an opportunity to swoop in.
He plays primarily on the left side of an attacking trio, so the same role as Rafael Leao, and here too they face a quandary.
