Milan have spent in excess of €200 million in this summer market, so questions abound about how they intend to not only comply with Financial Fair Play and pay back debts incurred in the purchase of the club, but how well they are constructed to compete in the Champions League.
As reported by Carlos Festa of Sole 24 Ore, Milan have a detailed business plan to maximize the profitability of the club over the next four years. The two main obstacles to Milan’s financial ascendance will be the rather sizable financial loan to Elliott Holding in the amount of €300 million, and the sporting necessity to not only qualify for the Champions League, but to advance as far as the semifinals.
With respect to Milan’s debt to Elliott, Rossoneri fans can be excited about the new ownership’s plan to expand the brand throughout China. For example, there are plans to create a football school and soccer village in China, with the intention of providing an immersive experience for fans of the Rossoneri. President Yonghong Li is counting on revenues from the Chinese market to balloon from €90 to €225 million. Consequently, the pressure is on for the club to perform exceptionally on the pitch.
In terms of Milan’s on the field expectations, the squad is expected to reach the final 16 in the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 seasons, as well as the quarterfinals in the 2020-2021 season and semifinals in the 2021-2022 season. In short, Leonardo Bonucci’s pronouncement that he would like to win the Champions League with Milan, is not all that far-fetched. That is, if the expectations of the owners are to be believed.
