Gerry Cardinale Outlines Ambitious Plan to Elevate AC Milan to Premier League Standards

Key Takeaways:

• Since RedBird Capital took over in 2022, AC Milan have achieved positive cash flow for the first time in 17 years
• Plans for a new stadium and heavy investment in the last summer transfer window highlight Cardinale’s intent to compete with England’s elite
• Milan will visit unbeaten Atalanta on Tuesday night after drawing 2-2 with Pisa

Financial Ambition: Matching England’s Elite

Gerry Cardinale, owner of AC Milan and founder of RedBird Capital, has detailed his strategic vision to propel the Rossoneri to financial parity with Premier League giants. Discussing his tenure on The Varsity podcast, Cardinale revealed the scale of the challenge since acquiring the club in 2022: “It’s probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” he stated. In his three years at the helm, Milan have posted their first positive cash flow in 17 years. Stressing a model centred on reinvestment and sustainability, Cardinale confirmed, “I don’t keep that money for myself, I reinvest it in the team.”

🗣️ Gerry Cardinale spoke to The Varsity: On the importance of the new stadium "That’s why we’re building our own stadium, with Tim Romani one of the best in the business. Once it’s completed, I want to share the model with other Serie A clubs, because they’re not my real… pic.twitter.com/uZyGpGDgQe

— Milan Posts (@MilanPosts) October 27, 2025

In pursuit of this vision, Milan outspent every other Serie A team during the most recent summer transfer window. Cardinale also cited the ongoing new stadium project, emphasising it is designed to redefine Milan’s financial platform and bring it into line with the cash-rich Premier League clubs. “We are building a new stadium, not to pocket money, but to transform Milan’s financial profile and bring it up to the level of Premier League teams.”

Transforming Milan’s Financial Model

A cornerstone of Cardinale’s plan is the development of a new stadium that will supplant the ageing San Siro, currently shared with Inter. This move is expected to bolster matchday revenue, attract greater corporate investment, and enhance AC Milan’s global stature.

Cardinale underscored, “The new stadium will transform AC Milan’s financial profile and bring it to the level of Premier League clubs. Because for us, the real competition is there, in the English league.”

He referenced his desire to drive innovation at Milan akin to the approach of the late Silvio Berlusconi and compared his ambition to that of George Steinbrenner with the New York Yankees. Despite today’s inflated costs and the involvement of billion-dollar funds, Cardinale maintains that a new, sustainable method is required to take the club forward.

Serie A vs. Premier League: Bridging the Divide

Cardinale has openly addressed the stark economic divide within European football, particularly the gulf between Serie A and the Premier League. He identified this disparity as the “biggest challenge in European football today,” noting that the Premier League’s television rights income is nearly four times greater than those of other top leagues. Despite considering Serie A “the most competitive league,” Cardinale believes its commercial undervaluation remains a significant issue, fuelling ideas such as the Super League.

Milan’s owner is pushing for the Rossoneri to lead Serie A’s modernisation, presenting the club as a benchmark for financial innovation and global relevance. With the stadium project and a strategy focused on digital engagement and fan outreach, Cardinale is steering Milan towards a future where it can rival the commercial prowess of its English counterparts.

Squad Strength, Season Progress, and Upcoming Fixture

AC Milan have started the current Serie A season in robust form, having lost only one of their 10 matches to date. The squad, which boasts the talents of Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Luka Modric – all with Premier League experience – reflects Cardinale’s ambition to unite European heritage with international attraction. Work continues behind the scenes for the new stadium, with construction aims set for 2026.

On the pitch, Milan are due to travel to Bergamo on Tuesday night for a high-stakes encounter against unbeaten Atalanta. This comes after a 2-2 result with Pisa, in which Zachary Athekame secured a late equaliser. With Massimiliano Allegri’s men enjoying an eight-match unbeaten streak and Ruben Loftus-Cheek poised to return, Milan will be looking to reclaim top position in Serie A and enhance their championship aspirations against a resolute Atalanta side.