Koni De Winter Set to Join AC Milan as Personal Terms Agreed

AC Milan and Belgian defender Koni De Winter have reached an agreement on personal terms. Milan are now closer to signing the praised centre back from Genoa.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Koni De Winter, the 23-year-old Genoa central defender valued at €25 million, has agreed to join AC Milan. Negotiations between Milan and Genoa continue, with both clubs seeing the player as keen on the move. Genoa are open to finding a solution to satisfy all parties involved.

Milan want to add De Winter to reinforce their defense. This follows the departure of Malick Thiaw, who has joined Newcastle United this summer, with manager Massimiliano Allegri trying to keep him.

WHY MILAN WANT DE WINTER

Last season, De Winter impressed in Serie A, making 32 appearances for Genoa and playing an important role in their 13th-place finish. Despite Genoa’s mid-table position, De Winter was praised for his consistency, athleticism, and ability to play both as a centre-back and right-back.

AC Milan missed qualifying for the Champions League in the 2024/25 season and finished eighth in Serie A, well behind their goals of Champions League football. They aim to strengthen their backline as they prepare for a new Serie A campaign.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE DEAL?

Discussions between AC Milan and Genoa will continue into next week as they try to agree on the transfer fee. Milan hope to conclude the deal before the start of their Serie A campaign, which opens against Cremonese, a team that will likely fight for survival.

Genoa, meanwhile, will look to reinvest in their squad as they aim to finish higher than last season. With Milan likely fighting for European qualification, the addition of De Winter could play a key part in keeping them in the top four.