AC Milan has officially announced the signing of Belgian defender Koni De Winter, who joins the club to strengthen the backline following the departure of Malick Thiaw to Newcastle United.
The Rossoneri finalized the deal with Genoa on Wednesday night (August 13, 2025), moving swiftly to fill the gap left by one of their key defensive figures.
Thiaw’s transfer to the Premier League prompted Milan to act quickly in the summer transfer window. Although the club initially had no plans to let the German center-back go he remained a key part of Massimiliano Allegri’s plans a lucrative offer from Newcastle changed the situation.
Milan wasted no time and immediately opened talks with both Genoa and De Winter's camp. Negotiations progressed smoothly, and it didn’t take long for the club to reach a personal agreement with the player.
All administrative steps have now been completed, and De Winter has officially signed a long-term deal that will keep him at San Siro until 2030.
The club also confirmed his squad number: De Winter will wear the number 5 shirt. However, Milan chose not to disclose the transfer fee involved in the deal.
"AC Milan is pleased to announce the permanent signing of Koni De Winter from Genoa CFC. The Belgian defender has signed a contract with the Club until June 30, 2030," the club wrote in an official statement.
