The lawyer and football finance expert Felice Raimondo has explained why AC Milan are in such a good position to invest in the squad during the summer mercato.
One of the criticisms that has frequently been directed at the Milan ownership is that they have publicly bragged about how the financial situation of the club is so positive but this hasn’t necessarily been partnered with a big net spend.
For example, after the 2021-22 Scudetto win the big signing was Charles De Ketelaere from Club Brugge, but he was the only addition who cost a significant amount and as a result many argue that the momentum was lost. Another two trophy-less seasons have since followed.
Raimondo spoke on Radio Rossonera to talk about Milan’s financial situation in a way that most fans want to interpret it, i.e. what it means for the summer transfer window.
“Based on the data available from the information we have learned from the media, Milan should have increased its revenues from sponsorship by approximately €35m,” he said.
“The biggest increases linked to PUMA, Emirates and sleeve sponsor MSC. The increase compensates for the lower revenues from a worse European campaign [compared to last season] this year. We held our own, from this point of view.
“We could undoubtedly spend more than what we spend today. Also by virtue of UEFA rules, according to which Milan at the moment, if we add the two financial results of 2022-23 and 2023-24, should be at around +40 million.
“And UEFA will evaluate the three aggregates, and therefore also the next 2024-25. The sum of these can even reach €-60m. Milan could have a deficit of as much as -60.
“Considering that we start from €+40m, we could afford a deficit of €-100m. It seems absurd, but understand that there is room to invest more in the squad. We will certainly be able to spend more than in past years.
“I am confident that sporting ambitions will be increased. We have the ability to do so. If we are told that we want to win, the way to do it is to spend more and invest greater sums in the raw material, the squad.”