AC Milan have officially confirmed the signing of defender Koni De Winter from Genoa on a long-term deal.
After the sale of Malick Thiaw to Newcastle United was made official in the past 24 hours, it was already known that the announcement regarding his replacement was imminent, given Milan acted quickly to wrap up De Winter.
Over the weekend, it was reported by Fabrizio Romano and other reliable sources that a €20m operation had been agreed with Genoa, and the Belgian arrived to undergo a medical on Tuesday afternoon.
A statement on the official website reads as follows: “AC Milan announces the permanent acquisition of Koni De Winter from Genoa CFC. The Belgian defender has signed a contract with the Rossoneri until June 30, 2030.”
“In March 2024, he was called up for the first time by the senior national team, making his debut in a friendly against Ireland. Koni De Winter will wear the number 5 shirt.”
Having joined Juventus in 2018 from Zulte Waregem in his home country, De Winter actually made his senior Champions League debut under Massimiliano Allegri in a game against Malmo.
He spent the 2022-23 season on loan at Empoli, then the following year on loan at Genoa, before joining permanently. The 23-year-old has 68 Serie A appearances under his belt, and three goals with the Rossoblu, plus three Belgium senior caps.