CorSport: Why Allegri and Milan wanted De Winter despite Leoni and Comuzzo links

Koni De Winter will soon become AC Milan’s new defensive signing, and there are multiple reasons why Massimiliano Allegri wanted him.

As Corriere dello Sport write, Milan acquired De Winter from Genoa in a ‘lightning fast’ deal and in the process managed to snatch him from under the noses of Inter. The defender had been one of the Nerazzurri’s targets, but the sale of Malick Thiaw allowed the Rossoneri to accelerate.

Milan suddenly found themselves with a huge sum to invest immediately to replace the German centre-back, and with €40m available, they decided to focus on De Winter. The Belgian was chosen over Pietro Comuzzo and Giovanni Leoni for at least two reasons.

Why De Winter

The first is financial, as De Winter costs half as much as the defenders from Fiorentina and Parma. Furthermore, the two Italian clubs are rejecting several offers of €35-€40m and would like to retain their players.

The second reason that led Milan to pursue the Belgian player is that De Winter, at 23, has made nearly 70 appearances in Serie A, and has often played high-level matches against even the big clubs in the league.

He proved himself ready for the jump to Milan, and with €20m plus bonuses, the Rossoneri replaced Thiaw. After getting a huge capital gain by selling the German to Newcastle, the directors decided not to spend the entire sum, but only half.

Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images

Allegri knows him well having given him his Champions League debut at Juventus in the 2021-22 season, stating afterwards: “De Winter is more of a central defender, but he can also play full-back. He played a game with personality. I’m very happy with his performance.”

Allegri wanted the 23-year-old Genoa player because he can play in two positions: both in a three-man defence and a four-man defence. He’ll be Fikayo Tomori’s back-up in the right-centre position if the Rossoneri were to deploy a back four, or a starter in a 3-5-2/3-4-3.

This ability to adapt to multiple roles and different formations convinced the Diavolo that the deal was a good one. Indeed, in these summer friendlies, Milan have alternated between both three and four-man back lines, and they have added someone who feels right at home.

The Milan coach also likes De Winter because he is good with the ball, both in build-up play and in anticipation. Last season, he averaged 4.6 recoveries per game, and he has room for further improvement. His tactical versatility and potential convinced everyone.