With two weeks left in the summer transfer window the pursuit of a new centre-back continues for AC Milan, with Konstantinos Koulierakis and Marco Pellegrino the stand-out names.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the first pre-requisite set by the management for the new central defender is that they must be young and able to grow behind the likes of Fikayo Tomori, Pierre Kalulu, Malick Thiaw and Simon Kjaer.
In addition to that, they seem to be looking for a natural left-sided defender given the two names that are mentioned by the source, so Koulierakis seems an ideal fit.
Having come through the youth system of PAOK Thessaloniki, the 19-year-old Greek defender made 31 appearances in all competitions last season with two goals and one assist to his name.
He also took part in two of the UEFA Conference League preliminary qualifying rounds played by PAOK earlier this month, and should do so again against Hajduk Split tomorrow night.
In September last year he received his first call-up for the Greek national team under the orders of the coach Gustavo Poyet for two Nations League matches, then in November he made his debut in the 2-2 draw against Malta. He would cost around €10m.
The other profile being monitored is Pellegrino. He is slightly older at 21 and rose to prominence under the coaching of Boca Juniors legend Martin Palermo, amassing 17 appearances with one goal after making his professional debut.
He is followed by various clubs in Europe and has Italian citizenship. The FIGC have already moved to test the ground in view of a possible call-up, and the fact his deal expires in 2024 could see Milan get him on the cheap towards the end of the mercato.
The Greece is the best
Why is there a need for a new CB?
Why was Gabbia sent on loan? A hole was created, then the hole needs to be filled.
What happens to Simic and Bartesaghi? Oh, yeah. According to Pioli, “They are not ready.”
Will the new CB that is target walk straight into the team and displace either Tomori or Thiaw?
Will he start on the bench and become first option above Kjaer and Kalulu?
Why can’t Simic and Bartesaghi…? Oh, yeah. Pioli said…
In any case what happens to Caldara? At least he can fill quota and be useful during trainings…
True, if the new cb wont be an adequate competition to tomori thiaw and kalulu, there is no reason to buy one, there should be a path for simic bartesaghi and even gabbia, if there is no money to buy a starter, leave it as it is, having a natural cdm should be the only priority, hope that will be fixed