AC Milan were interested in signing Konstantinos Koulierakis from PAOK Thessaloniki but were put off by his asking price, a report claims.
According to what is being reported by Sportime – a source based in Greece – Milan had another option in mind before they decided to accelerate and close the deal for Marco Pellegrino.
The management enquired about signing Konstantinos Koulierakis from PAOK, but the idea was eventually shelved by the Rossoneri who went with the Argentine instead.
Milan had an agreement in principle with the 19-year-old Greek over personal terms but PAOK’s request for an €8m transfer fee plus a percentage of the proceeds from a potential future resale were ultimately deemed excessive by the Diavolo.
Thus, a few days later Milan confirmed that they have completed the permanent signing of Pellegrino from Club Atlético Platense on a contract that will run until 30 June 2028, and you can read his first interview here.
The Sportime report goes on to mention that PAOK are not totally at ease because they believe a big club could yet come in for Koulierakis before the window shuts. Perhaps Milan again, especially if Pierre Kalulu were to leave.
Koulierakis would be a good singing for Milan but it’s hard to see Kalulu leaving this late in the transfer window.
I think Milan will go back for Koulierakis in January or next summer to replace Kjaer.
He is a bigger talent than Pellegrino that’s for sure. At 19 years of age Koulierakis is already more level-headed as a defender, has better vision on the ball and experience with European football. Two years younger than Pellegrino, hence why I don’t think 8 million is that excessive for him…
This 👆
Maybe an Adli-esque deal,. Before he gathers “too much attention” ?
If we’re talking CBs Kouleirakis will be far better than Kalulu who besides 6 great months in year 2 hasn’t been good again. Kalulu has great potential but so does Kouleirakis so I’d personally sell kalulu for 30+, get Kouleirakis for 10 and use 20 plus to get Amrabat. Super solid team.
Wasn’t down with selling Kalulu, but this got me thinking though 🤔 Interesting in a perfect world scenario.
Kalulu will not leave.