Johannes Spors set for Southampton exit? AC Milan eyeing big Saints raid | OneFootball

AC Milan could be set for a move to sign Johannes Spors from Southampton

Southampton are continuing to deal with the fallout of their expulsion from the play-offs.

The Saints were aiming to win promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt, but were removed from the competition due to breaching the EFL’s rules regarding spying on opponents.

The Hampshire outfit will now be going into the summer window trying to build a team capable of going one step further next season by earning their return to the top flight.

However, uncertainty surrounds head coach Tonda Eckert, with the individuals involved in the spying scandal under investigation from the Football Association, and facing a possible ban from football.

Sporting director Johannes Spors is also under threat of a suspension from the game, which could have a big impact on their summer transfer plans.

But the club have already confirmed their first signing of the transfer window, completing a permanent deal for goalkeeper Daniel Peretz, who spent the second half of the season on loan from Bayern Munich.

Southampton chief wanted by AC Milan

Action Images

It has been reported by Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport that Ralf Rangnick is keen to bring Spors to the club in a major role behind the scenes.

The Austrian is expected to take on a new position with the Serie A giants, although nothing has yet been made official, and he will be looking to build a team of key recruitment staff in order to turn things around at San Siro.

It’s understood that his first choice for taking over as the new sporting director is the Southampton executive.

The 43-year-old has been with the Saints since 2025, and has been a key figure in recruitment since taking on the position.

He previously worked in Italian football with Genoa in a similar role, and he knows Rangnick from their time together at RB Leipzig, where he worked as a scout.

It is unclear whether the German would be willing to walk away from his role at St. Mary’s at this time, or what impact the FA’s investigation into the spying scandal will have on these plans.

Milan failed to qualify for the Champions League for next season, coming fifth in the table, which has led to restructuring at the club.

Max Allegri was dismissed from his position as head coach as a consequence, with a replacement yet to be named.

Milan are also targeting Christopher Vivell for a key recruitment role, with the chief currently working at Manchester United.

Action Images

Johannes Spors’ departure would be a blow for Southampton

Southampton’s recruitment under Sport Republic has been far from perfect, but it has improved under the leadership of Spors.

Losing him would be a blow, but the allure of working for a club the size of AC Milan will be quite tempting, and a clear step up in his career.

Signings like Leo Scienza and Caspar Jander were brought to the Championship side under Spors, so it’s not too surprising that other clubs are now paying attention given how well they’ve performed under Eckert.

Losing the German at the start of the transfer window would also be horrible timing, as it is at this point that a lot of transfer plans will have been drawn up that could change under a new sporting director.