In a video published on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano revealed this behind-the-scenes story about Milan’s transfer market and their attempt to sign 28-year-old German centre-back Thilo Kehrer, formerly of Paris Saint-Germain and West Ham:
“In the search for a center-back during the final hectic days of the window, as they tried to find the right opportunity to give Allegri a new defender, Milan, who eventually signed Odogu from Wolfsburg, also considered Thilo Kehrer, the German defender born in 1996, currently at Monaco. But the French club said no to the Rossoneri. Milan gave the idea serious thought.
"Here’s the background: Monaco wanted to sign Disasi from Chelsea, but they could only have done so on loan. The problem was that Chelsea had already filled their loan slots. If Monaco had managed to get Disasi, they would have given the green light to Kehrer’s departure. There were even contacts between Milan sporting director Igli Tare and the German defender’s agents. Kehrer himself gave full availability to join Milan, but Monaco closed the door because they were unable to secure Disasi.”
"This adds another name to the list of defenders Milan tried to sign in the last hours of the market. The first failed attempt was for Manuel Akanji, who not only turned down Milan due to financial reasons and his wish to play in the Champions League, but later chose to sign with Inter. Milan then came very close to Joe Gomez of Liverpool: there was an agreement both with the player and with the English club. But on the morning of deadline day, Liverpool pulled out because they were unsure of finding a replacement, which in the end proved true."
"In the end, the choice, surprisingly, fell on a 2006-born center-back, the German David Odogu. He was signed from Wolfsburg for around €7 million plus €3 million in bonuses. He signed a four-year contract with an option for a fifth. He will start behind in the pecking order, but his attitude has already shown that he is motivated to carve out his space."
