Italian soccer journalist Marco Bellinazzo has provided insight into Inter and AC Milan’s ownership strategy.
Speaking to Sky Sports via FCInterNews, Bellinazzo gave his verdict on the Redbirds and Oaktree’s long-term plans.
Both Milan clubs are managed by US investment funds.
Additionally, Oaktree and the Redbirds are looking to increase the team’s value before considering a sale.
In fact, both sides are focused on strategic growth, including commercial and infrastructure projects.
A new state-of-the-art stadium in the San Siro area remains a key part of their plans.
Inter and Milan have therefore recently acquired ownership of this land and will soon begin work on this monumental project.
In addition to the stadium, the American owners are also paying close attention to global branding as part of their efforts to increase the club’s value.
But Bellinazzo believes they are doing it for one purpose only: to maximize the club’s market value ahead of a future sale.
Marco Bellinazzo gives verdict on San Siro plan
“There will be significant investment in this project,” Bellinazzo said. “Designers do not break popular sections with the best possible layout.
“However, hospitality areas will be priced appropriately and the reliance on lower ticket prices will be reduced.
“At the moment there is not enough space to accommodate them, so Milan and Inter have already placed dozens of companies on a waiting list.
“The priority is therefore to expand these corporate areas and ideally the stadium will be open 24/7 and host as many events as possible.
“They have already invested between 1.2 and 1.4 billion euros.
“However, once the financing is complete, there is the potential for further increases to generate enough revenue to pay down debt and increase income.
“What will the model be? I’m looking at the Santiago Bernabéu, but it could also be adapted to host NFL games.
“The designers at Manika and Foster who were tasked with this project certainly have the ability to create something unique, while respecting the San Siro model and its unique character.
“Curva Sud will be reused.
“We hope that in some way it will remind us of the Meazza. Furthermore, the project will revitalize the surrounding area, so its impact will extend beyond match days.”
Marco Bellinazzo comments on Inter and AC Milan ownership plans
“Without this intervention, there would have been a risk that Milan would not have them,” Bellinazzo added.
“So this is good news, provided we meet the deadline, of course.
“The shareholders of Milan and Inter are investment funds, they invest, strengthen their assets and then sell them.
“It’s clear that the aim for the next few years is to sell both clubs, but there is no need to rush as stadium investments are underway.
“Once construction begins, the club will get added value and that will be very important.
“If both teams had been put up for sale before the contracts were signed, the value of each club would have been approximately 1.5 billion euros.
“Now that the deal is complete, its value is approaching €2 billion per club. So it’s already a great deal.”
