Ruben Amorim Signs with AC Milan on Two-Year Deal Worth 3.5 Million Euros Annually

Portuguese manager Ruben Amorim has finalized an agreement to become AC Milan's next head coach on a two-year contract through 2028, with an optional third season. The 41-year-old will earn 3.5 million euros annually in base salary, plus performance bonuses including one million euros if Milan wins the Italian league title and 500,000 euros for Champions League qualification.

Amorim's appointment represents Milan's attempt to reverse a recent decline after disappointing domestic finishes. The club finished eighth in the current Serie A season and fifth in the previous campaign, missing Champions League qualification in both years. Former Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri's tenure ended following these results, prompting the club to pursue a managerial overhaul.

The Portuguese tactician had planned to remain away from management following his January departure from Manchester United, where he served for approximately 14 months. However, Milan's appeal proved decisive—Amorim has cited the Italian club as one of his childhood aspirations. The move allows Amorim to step away from the intense scrutiny of the Premier League, where his unconventional 3-4-2-1 formation struggled to gain traction at Old Trafford.

Milan's recruitment process involved multiple candidates. German coach Matthias Jaissle, who won the AFC Champions League with Saudi club Al Ahli, remained under consideration but required compensation from his current employer. Austrian national team manager Ralf Rangnick withdrew from discussions, citing lack of organizational clarity at Milan. Amorim's availability as an unattached manager strengthened his position.

Beyond managerial change, Milan is restructuring its sporting direction. The club is reportedly pursuing German executive Markus Krosche from Eintracht Frankfurt as general director, alongside Timmo Hardung as sporting director. This dual appointment reflects Milan's broader institutional reorganization under ownership by Red Bird Capital.

Manchester United will benefit financially from Amorim's new employment. The club had calculated compensation costs of 16.7 million pounds when terminating Amorim and his technical staff in January, following an earlier 14.5 million-pound payment to remove Erik ten Hag. With Amorim now employed, Manchester United's ongoing severance obligations will be substantially reduced.

The appointment will produce an immediate reunion between manager and former club. Manchester United confirmed a pre-season friendly against Milan scheduled for August 15 in Wroclaw, Poland—one week before the Premier League season begins. This match will mark Amorim's first encounter with United since his dismissal.