Ruben Amorim sets a clear target at AC Milan, aiming to control Serie A and collect the club’s 20th league title. That success would bring a second star above the badge, as Milan start again after a difficult 2025-26 campaign under new leadership.

Milan’s previous season ends in disappointment, with a late slump dropping the club to fifth in Serie A. The team spends much of the year in a strong Champions League position, yet misses out for a second straight season after another collapse in the run-in.

Amorim arrives in June as Massimiliano Allegri’s replacement, just six months after Manchester United dismisses Allegri. Amorim describes the Milan role as an even greater test than the Old Trafford job and makes clear that a trophy, ideally the Scudetto, is the first-season target.

Milan last lifts the Serie A trophy in 2021-22, moving to 19 league titles that season. The club’s first star is secured back in 1978-79, and a second requires title number 20. Amorim links his own legacy to that goal, stressing how much a new Scudetto would mean.

When you put yourself on the line and challenge yourself, then you have to try to win as much as possible, Amorim told reporterswhen asked if the objective was to win a second star. Of course, we want to win the second star. I know it will be difficult; there are a thousand variables. The biggest challenge? It’s hard to say right now. Our main objective at the moment is to dominate the league. Everything else will follow. I know very well that this is a challenge. It’s always more than just a phrase or a slogan: it means becoming part of the history of someone or something iconic. That’s exactly the kind of challenge I like to take on. I’m happy. I’ll be happy knowing I tried, even if that effort doesn’t lead to outstanding results. Right now, I’m hungry for success. I believe in Milan.

To support that Serie A push, AC Milan move strongly in the transfer market by signing Goncalo Ramos. The forward joins from Paris Saint-Germain in a club-record deal valued at 80m including add-ons, signalling major investment in attack for Amorim’s first season in charge.

Ramos arrives after representing Portugal at the World Cup, where the national team goes out to Spain in the last 16. During Ramos’ spell at Paris Saint-Germain, the striker scores 45 goals in 131 matches across all competitions and collects 12 major trophies with the French side.

I really like Goncalo, Amorim said. You saw him against Croatia: surrounded by three defenders, he still scored. That’s a situation you often see in Italy as well. People only look at talent, whereas I see the player as a whole. It’s about seeing him play properly within the team. Just watch Goncalo play for five minutes. For me, he sends a message: it means we believe in the group and in the team. His arrival happened very quickly.

AC Milan Serie A challenge and Luka Modric decision

While Ramos strengthens the squad, AC Milan also face possible departures during this Serie A build. Rafael Leao is reported to be interested in leaving San Siro, and Luka Modric’s plans remain unclear, with suggestions that Modric could retire from international football or leave playing altogether.

Modric joins AC Milan before the 2025-26 season on a one-year contract, with an option for another 12 months. The midfielder is now 40 but remains central to Amorim’s ideas. Modric is viewed as vital for ball control and structure, especially in matches where Milan seek sustained possession.

I want Modric to stay. I spoke to Luka and if needed I will go get him in person! Amorim said. I want Modric with us this season. He is a key point for us, especially to have more possession. I know that the board spoke with him; I spoke with him too. I hope to have him soon.

Amorim’s arrival, the pursuit of a second star and the record move for Ramos underline AC Milan’s intent before the new Serie A season. Questions around Leao and Modric still need answers, yet the coach presents a clear plan to restore domestic control and return to regular Champions League football.