Only the medical examinations, likely to take place tomorrow, and the official announcement are missing, but since yesterday AC Milan have practically wrapped up the signings of Koni De Winter and Zachary Athekame. Throughout the day, CEO Furlani and sporting director Tare worked on finalizing the contracts for the two defenders. Everything is essentially done, and the pair could already be in Milan this evening.
On the same day Malick Thiaw underwent his medicals for Newcastle and officially became a Magpies player, the Rossoneri accelerated to give Allegri two extra options ahead of Sunday night’s Coppa Italia debut against Bari. There’s enough time to complete their registrations and, barring any last-minute surprises, all signs point to them being available for the Bari game. They won’t start, but they should still make the bench and begin to familiarize themselves with San Siro, their new “home.”
Now comes the question: will Milan stop here in defense, or go for one last reinforcement, maybe a last-minute deal?
Koni De Winter is secured...
Milan managed to close the deal for the Belgian in just 48 hours. Once management realized Thiaw was determined to change clubs, turning down a lucrative contract extension, they wasted no time moving for De Winter, a versatile defender who can play in both a back three and a back four, and, if needed, at left-back. He requires no Serie A trial period, having already spent three seasons with Empoli and Genoa. He also worked with Allegri as a youngster at Juventus. Milan will pay €18 million plus €2 million in bonuses, with a portion going to the Bianconeri. Koni will sign a five-year deal worth €1.8 million plus bonuses per season. His arrival restores Milan’s pool of centre-backs to four: Tomori, Pavlovic, Gabbia, and now De Winter.
What about Zachary Athekame?
The Athekame deal is also essentially done. Milan reached an agreement with Young Boys for €10 million plus 10% of any future resale profit. The Swiss right-back turned down a Ligue 1 side to “embrace” the Rossoneri cause, taking over the spot occupied last season by Walker, Emerson Royal, and Calabria. Zachary impressed Milan’s management with his physical strength and power, and there is a strong belief at Via Aldo Rossi that they have landed a player with great explosiveness and the ability to push hard down the flank. Of course, he will need time to adapt to a new league, but having a coach like Allegri should greatly help his learning process.
Piton offered to Milan...
So, is the Rossoneri's defensive market over? In theory, with a back four, Allegri has two players per role: Saelemaekers (or Jimenez) and Athekame on the right; the four centre-backs mentioned above; and on the left, Estupiñán and Bartesaghi. However, during this preseason, played without a natural centre-forward and with Leao in that role, Allegri has often used a back three in the defensive phase. Even without European competitions, if Max continues with this tactical approach, will he need another centre-back? The question remains, and while it’s not currently planned, a low-cost reinforcement, or a last-minute opportunity, cannot be ruled out.
From Brazil, word is that left-back Lucas Piton, born in 2000 and currently with Vasco da Gama, has been offered. He also holds an Italian passport. For now, there’s no negotiation in progress, and with Estupiñán already signed, Milan’s management has faith in Bartesaghi, who showed good qualities during preseason.
Source: La Gazzetta dello Sport
