MN: New role, new confidence – how De Winter has ‘solved a problem’ for Milan

As AC Milan continue their hunt for a new centre-back, it is possible that the main solution might be internal.

La Gazzetta dello Sport begin their piece on Koni De Winter by pointing out that he is someone who is at his best in the winter. Jokes aside, it is something that has been confirmed by the defender’s performances in the last few weeks.

De Winter is carving out a role for himself in the squad under Massimiliano Allegri, after a first few months that were decidedly below expectations. Despite the natural disorientation of moving from a lower-tier team to one fighting for the Scudetto, the Belgian seemed unable to find his feet.

He made tactical and positioning errors, and this made him a poor copy of the one he wore for the Rossoblu, perhaps because he was trying too hard to impress. Amid talk of a defensive signing, De Winter might just be the perfect ‘fourth man’.

Recent rise

The plaudits are two-fold. Firstly, Allegri did his part to get De Winter playing at close to his best levels by persevering with him and gradually finding the right position in the back three for him. The player also did a good job adapting to the needs of the manager and shaking off any nerves.

Regarding a potential signing, it becomes a matter of opportunity. As Allegri says, ‘the management will be ready’ if something comes up. Igli Tare said just ten days ago: “We’ll definitely be alert if there’s something that can help us. We’ll do it if necessary. For now, we’re fine as we are.”

Photo by AC Milan

That pressing need is no longer there. De Winter eliminated it with a series of matches in which he has gained increasing confidence. The goal against Roma, crucial in the eventual draw, is merely an added bonus to the substance of his performances in this period without Strahinja Pavlovic.

Let’s put it this way: if De Winter were still the same player he was in 2025, the Serbian would likely have been asked to grit his teeth and start games, with all the risks that entails. Or, Davide Bartesaghi could have been used at LCB.

As things stand now, Koni has his confidence back, has ‘solved a problem in the squad’ and allowed the club to save money. If an attractive opportunity arises by next Monday then Milan could seize it, but there is no longer an urgent need to.