Milan is considering the appointment of Timmo Hardung, current sporting director of Eintracht Frankfurt, as the club's new right-hand man. Hardung, 36, is considered the preferred choice to complete the management structure that includes Markus Krosche as the future Head of Football. The German manager, who has held positions of responsibility in the professional management of several teams, was proposed by Cardinale as the ideal candidate to accompany Krosche in the club's long-term project.
Krosche, already in negotiations with Milan for his position as Head of Football, seems to have a clear path towards the Rossoneri team. Cardinale would have chosen Hardung as his main collaborator, with a general agreement on economic aspects, operating methods and position within the organizational chart. However, Hardung's signing could be delayed until the end of the year, due to the €5-7 million compensation that Eintracht guaranteed themselves in the termination agreement. Milan, at the moment, does not intend to cover this sum, which could affect the timing of the negotiations.
Hardung has a solid education: a graduate in business administration, holds the UEFA B license and completed the “Management im Profifussball” course organized by the DFB and the DFL. His experience includes roles as team manager at Hoffenheim and head of the professional area at Leipzig, as well as a long collaboration with Julian Nagelsmann. Since 2021 he has been responsible for Eintracht's professional sector, before being promoted to sporting director in 2023, following the departure of Bruno Hubner. In this position, Hardung operates under the supervision of Krosche.
Milan's final decision will also depend on the evolution of the search for a new Head of Football. The most likely candidate seems to be Christoph Spycher, currently at Young Boys. If the club opts for Spycher, Hardung could be integrated as sporting director, but the question of compensation remains an obstacle. Milan will therefore have to evaluate whether to wait for the further development of the negotiations or explore other options to complete its management organisation.