GdS: Den Haag, PSG trial, Milan debut – Cheveyo Balentien’s crazy few weeks

When the substitute board went up towards the end of AC Milan’s win over Lecce and Cheveyo Balentien was signally to come on, there were some eyebrows raised.

As La Gazzetta dello Sport recall, Balentien has had a whirlwind few days, starting with his first Serie A appearance with the senior team to his assist for Milan Futuro’s win over Gozzano. At just 18, Cheveyo Balentien is experiencing intense emotions after a ping-pong-like summer.

First was his Parisian adventure with PSG, then his return to the Netherlands to play for ADO Den Haag, and finally his arrival at Milan on a five-year deal that changed his and his family’s lives. Originally from Suriname, he stood out last season for Den Haag’s U19 team, scoring 24 goals and 12 assists: impressive numbers that couldn’t go unnoticed at the international level.

This imposing winger (1.93m) can move across the entire attacking line, but above all, he boasts impressive pace for his physique and a left foot that many envy. This allows him to play equally well on the right or left.

The most appreciative compliments came from his teammates after the match in Lecce. One of them even went so far as to say, “Well done, you looked like Leao.” It’s obviously a fitting comparison, but more importantly, Massimiliano Allegri’s opinion is the one that gives him the most confidence.

Image: AC Milan

How he arrived

Back in early July, Cheveyo arrived at the PSG training centre for a trial that lasted about ten days. The verdict was unanimous: he passed. It’s a shame that the PSG B squad was already full. To make room for him, they decided to sell a striker, but the process was slow.

Meanwhile, the teenager returned to Amsterdam, and Den Haag obtained a waiver to field him despite his contract having expired. He played in two international matches and, lo and behold, attracted interest from the competition.

The news also reached Milan, where Igli Tare had just taken over. When the Albanian sporting director learned that the youngster was still available, he got on the phone. It was an opportunity not to be missed, especially since Kirovski at Milan Futuro immediately hailed him as a talent worth seizing.

The rules also helped secure the deal, given that Den Haag will receive a maximum compensation of just under €10,000. Suffice it to say that, had he renewed his contract with the Dutch club, the cost would have skyrocketed to €40,000. So Milan is satisfied with a deal that promises so much.

Meanwhile, Allegri is keeping an eye on him and will call him up to Milanello as soon as he can, but routine dictates that Balentien is a key figure in Milan Futuro in Serie D. He’s happy with that.