AC Milan agree deal for Genoa defender Koni De Winter | OneFootball

AC Milan have reached a verbal agreement for the signing of Genoa’s sought-after defensive talent Koni De Winter (h/t journalist Fabrizio Romano).

Inter Milan were reportedly in concrete talks to sign the Belgian centre-back, but the Rossoneri have thrown a spanner in the works.

Milan wrapped up the deal in no time after submitting a proposal worth €20 million to Genoa.

The ex-Juventus academy star will undergo his medicals once the final details of the deal are ironed out.

The Rossoneri have also fended off competition from Premier League clubs like Tottenham Hotspur and Bournemouth for his signing.

Milan have been pressing to sign a new centre-back due to Malick Thiaw’s imminent departure to Newcastle United.

The Premier League giants will pay around €40 million for the German defender, having previously snapped up Sandro Tonali from Milan in 2023.

De Winter has made notable progress in Serie A over the past couple of seasons, leading to his debut with the Belgian senior team last year.

The 23-year-old has massive potential to develop into one of the best centre-backs. He will be a great addition for Milan in their quest to return to the top of Italian football.

The Belgian will bring more physicality and exuberance to Milan’s backline, which was a letdown last season.

The defence was under scrutiny once again after their recent 4-1 defeat against Chelsea in a pre-season friendly.

There could be more defensive reinforcements before the end of the transfer window due to concerns over the form of players like Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia and Strahinja Pavlovic.

Massimiliano Allegri’s men have signed midfielders Samuele Ricci, Luka Modric and Ardon Jashari this summer.

They are also searching for a new striker, with Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund topping the wishlist.