He just won the Conference League. He had a job offer on the table, but he said no.
Reports from Italy on Tuesday confirmed that Oliver Glasner, the 51-year-old Austrian manager who guided Crystal Palace to three trophies in two seasons, has turned down the chance to take over at Feyenoord, choosing instead to wait on Milan's decision.
Why Glasner Rejected Feyenoord To Keep Milan Hopes Alive
Feyenoord is not a small club. They are a European institution, an Eredivisie giant with a passionate fanbase and a history of developing elite talent through their academy. For most coaches, including that of Arne Slot himself.
That offer would be the phone call they had been waiting for. But Glasner said no.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Glasner remains open to taking over at Milan and is keeping himself available as the club weighs up their final decision. The call now sits with the owner, Gerry Cardinale, the advisor, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and the CEO, Massimo Calvelli.
At a press conference earlier this year, he made it clear he would not be extending his stay at Crystal Palace.
"I'm just looking for a new challenge," Glasner said at a Crystal Palace press conference earlier this year, confirming his decision not to renew his contract at Selhurst Park. "I told Steve [Parish] in October. It's nothing to do with the transfer window."
The Crystal Palace Success That Put Glasner On Milan's Radar
When Glasner arrived at Crystal Palace in early 2024, he inherited a club that was lacking direction. By the time he left, they were trophy winners.
In just over two seasons, he delivered the 2025 FA Cup, the 2025 FA Community Shield, and the 2025-26 UEFA Conference League title, beating Rayo Vallecano in the final in Leipzig on May 27, 2026.
Top scorer Ismaila Sarr finished the season with 21 goals in all competitions, with Jean-Philippe Mateta adding 12 in the Premier League alone. The morning after the final in Leipzig, Glasner wrote an open letter to Crystal Palace supporters.
"What I'm most proud of is being part of a team that we've built together and the bond between players, backroom staff, Steve and the board, and most importantly, you, the supporters," he wrote.
"Together we believed that there was nothing this club can't achieve, no opponent we could not defeat. We created a mindset that we could compete. That doesn't mean you win every single game. But we have shown that Crystal Palace can fight against the very best teams at home and across the continent."
That sense of belief, built at a club outside Europe’s elite, is exactly what Milan's ownership is now trying to buy into.
Read More: Crystal Palace ‘Reach Agreement’ With New Manager After Historic Conference League Triumph
Milan's Rebuild Could Begin With Glasner
Milan is not just changing their manager. They are rebuilding from the ground up. The club dismissed head coach Massimiliano Allegri, sporting director Igli Tare, technical director Geoffrey Moncada, and CEO Giorgio Furlani in a single statement the day after the 2025-26 season ended.
For young players dreaming of playing for historic clubs one day, this is a reminder of how quickly things can change at the top. The people shaping your pathway today may not be there tomorrow. What matters is development, consistency, and being ready when the opportunity comes.
Glasner's own career is proof of that. He worked his way up in Austria with SV Ried and LASK before moving to Wolfsburg in 2019. Success at Eintracht Frankfurt followed, where he won the 2022 UEFA Europa League, beating Rangers in Seville.
That victory reshaped his career. It opened the door to Crystal Palace. And Crystal Palace has opened the door to Milan.
According to Goal.com, Milan owner Gerry Cardinale held a six-hour meeting with Glasner in Germany, a clear sign of how seriously the club views the appointment.
Glasner’s career has never been straightforward. Every step has been earned.
How Ralf Rangnick's Austria Contract Is Delaying Milan's Pre-Season Plan
There's another layer to this saga, and his name is Ralf Rangnick.
Milan have been in contact with Rangnick again over the last few days. The current head coach of the Austrian national team is the leading candidate to take over as Milan's new technical director, and notably, Glasner is reportedly Rangnick's preferred coaching pick.
The problem? The Austrian FA wants to keep Ralf Rangnick through to EURO 2028, and has reportedly put a new two-year deal on the table to extend his stay.
Ralf Rangnick is still reportedly interested in the Milan job, but wants guarantees over full control and freedom to operate without interference from other figures at the club or ownership. If those conditions are met under Gerry Cardinale, sources believe a deal could move quickly.
Two Austrians potentially rebuilding one of Italy's most historic clubs together is a compelling vision. But getting there still depends on Milan making a decision, something they’ve struggled to do all summer.
What Will Glasner Do If the Milan move does not materialise?
If the Milan move doesn’t happen, La Gazzetta dello Sport claims he is prepared to take a short break and wait for another top job to open up through the 2026-27 season. He's not settling. He's made his position clear.
