AC Milan Step Up Bid for Genoa’s Koni De Winter as Defensive Rebuild Begins

AC Milan have made an opening bid for Koni De Winter from Genoa. They are offering €20 million for the Belgian defender. De Winter is eager to join Milan, and Koni De Winter has agreed to join AC Milan on personal terms. The two clubs are still negotiating, and Milan are hopeful they can finalize the signing soon.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Milan are trying to strengthen their squad after they sold Malick Thiaw to Newcastle United for about €40 million. According to reports, Milan believe De Winter is the best replacement for Thiaw. They have offered €20 million to Genoa, who value De Winter at €25 million. The two clubs will keep negotiating in the hope of finding a compromise.

De Winter, who is 23, has impressed since joining Genoa, where he played 32 games last season, helping the team finish 13th in Serie A. His performances have made him a target for both Milan and their rivals Inter, with Bournemouth also showing interest in signing him.

WHY DE WINTER AND WHERE BOTH TEAMS STAND

De Winter had a strong Serie A season last year with Genoa. He made 32 league appearances, and his contribution was vital in helping the team secure their position in the league. AC Milan finished in eighth place last season, failing to qualify for Europe, and they are now focused on reinforcing their squad after some defensive struggles in the second half of the season.

The sale of Thiaw has created a significant gap in defense for Massimiliano Allegri’s men, and they need to rectify this quickly as they prepare for the new season, where the main goal will be go get back into Champions League football starting from the opening match against Cremonese.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR MILAN AND GENOA?

Milan want to agree on personal terms with De Winter. After that, they will return to the negotiating table with Genoa and try to lower the asking price as much as possible. Both teams will want clarity on their squads, with only weeks remaining before the season kicks off. Milan start their Serie A campaign against newly-promoted Cremonese. De Winter, meanwhile, is eager for Genoa to accept Milan’s offer, as he is keen to move to the San Siro.