Tuttosport: Not just De Winter – Milan could sign another centre-back due to Allegri’s system

AC Milan have found Malick Thiaw’s replacement quickly in Koni De Winter, but he might not be the only centre-back to arrive.

As Tuttosport report (via MilanNews), Milan are finalising the final details with Genoa and will then welcome De Winter – who was also in Inter’s sights – to the city for a medical and to sign the contract.

Milan’s move was a real blitz, and in just a few hours they’ve found the replacement for Thiaw. Massimiliano Allegri will therefore have a new central defender, one he knows well having given him he debut in the Champions League at Juventus in 2021-22.

An agreement in principle between the Rossoneri and Genoa has been reached at around €20m, and the white smoke is expected today. However, more moves could follow.

Another defender to arrive?

De Winter might not be the only defensive addition for Milan in this final stretch of the summer transfer window. Allegri has worked extensively on the three-man defence in recent weeks, and who knows, perhaps a 3-5-2 could ultimately be the Rossoneri’s starting formation this season.

Image: Fabrizio Romano

Four central defenders (Matteo Gabbia, Strahinja Pavlovic, Fikayo Tomori and De Winter) won’t be enough for the entire year, so it’s likely the club will sign another player in that area of the pitch.

Ruling out expensive names like Leoni and Comuzzo, Milan are monitoring several options such as Caleb Okoli, who is leaving Leicester, and Berat Djimsiti, whose contract with Atalanta expires in 2026. Igli Tare could also look at surplus options at top clubs around Europe.