The Genk tug-of-war
AC Milan are currently locked in a high-stakes standoff for Bilal El Khannouss's former teammate, Konstantinos Karetsas. Reports from HLN suggest a valuation floating around €35m, a hefty sum for a player still developing his professional profile in Belgium.
Dortmund has the financial muscle to swoop in, but Mateo Moretto confirms that the player’s preference leans heavily toward the Rossoneri. Karetsas is reportedly willing to play the long game to force a move to San Siro.
The risk of the waiting game
Relying on a teenager's desire to secure a move is a luxury that backfires more often than not. While Karetsas is a dynamic talent, Milan’s management is balancing this pursuit alongside interest in younger prospects like Sankhoun Diawara, who is currently impressing as a France U19 international.
Spreading resources across too many targets risks leaving the squad thin when the window slams shut. If Dortmund pivots hard and triggers a release clause, Milan will look foolish watching a target they were favorites for head to the Bundesliga. You cannot negotiate against a club with more liquid cash if you are dragging your feet on valuation.
The squad depth problem
My biggest concern isn't technical; it is tactical urgency. Milan needs immediate impact pieces to close the gap on the top of the table. Pursuing Karetsas specifically signifies a scouting department focused on high ceiling potential over proven Serie A commodities.
If this deal drags into late August, we are looking at a repeat of previous windows where late desperation led to overpaying for stop-gap options. Milan will likely secure the player, but the cost will be a slow start to the season while he adjusts to the physical intensity of Italian football.
