Fonseca on verge of replacing Pioli at Milan

Milan linked head coach Paulo Fonseca looks on after the French L1 football match between Stade Rennais FC and Lille LOSC at The Roazhon Park Stadium in Rennes, western France on September 16, 2023. (Photo by Sebastien SALOM-GOMIS / AFP) (Photo by SEBASTIEN SALOM-GOMIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Paulo Fonseca has verbally agreed the terms of a contract with Milan and is now reportedly a step away from taking over from Stefano Pioli.

The Rossoneri have long been searching for a new head coach, ready to replace Pioli after five years at the helm. Despite securing a second-place finish in Serie A, the failure to progress in the Champions League and keep up with Inter in the title race proved disappointing to fans and the owners.

A long list of coaches were considered by Milan, including Julen Lopetegui, Sergio Conceicao and Mark van Bommel, but Fonseca quickly became a leading candidate. The Portuguese coach has impressed with Lille and his experience at Roma also proved a key factor.

Fonseca on verge of joining Milan

As reported by Daniele Longo of Calciomercato.com, Fonseca has given his green light to a three-year contract with Milan worth around €3m net per season and is now just a step away from becoming the next head coach of the club.

First, the Rossoneri need to cut ties with Pioli, whose agent Valerio Giuffrida arrived at the club’s headquarters this morning. An agreement on severance pay is still needed.