Milan vs Dortmund: The Tug-of-War for Konstantinos Karetsas

Ruben Amorim has picked up the phone. Borussia Dortmund have picked up the pace.

The race for Konstantinos Karetsas, one of Europe’s most coveted teenage midfielders, is already turning into a straight duel between Milan and Dortmund, with KRC Genk holding firm at around €40m.

The 18-year-old Greece international, a creative force for Genk, has long been on Milan’s list. The club see him as a cornerstone for their next cycle, not just another promising name. But desire and budget are not yet aligned in Milanello.

Dortmund, by contrast, are already at the negotiating table.

According to reports in Belgium, the Bundesliga club have held several rounds of talks with Genk and are back again today to keep pushing a deal over the line. Their opening proposal — €30m plus €5m in add-ons — did not move Genk, who are signalling that the total package must reach roughly €40m, bonuses included.

The German side know this market well. They specialise in snapping up high-ceiling talent before the rest of Europe fully wakes up, and their intent here is unmistakable. Meetings, counter-proposals, constant contact: Dortmund are doing the heavy lifting directly with Genk.

Milan are playing a different game.

The same Belgian reports claim Amorim has already spoken personally with Karetsas, outlining his vision for the youngster’s role in his project. No intermediaries, no vague promises — a coach-to-player conversation designed to plant a seed.

The message is clear: wait for us.

Milan’s strategy hinges on timing. They need to complete at least one significant sale before they can “go all in” financially for Karetsas. Until that happens, they are asking the teenager to hold his nerve and resist Dortmund’s more advanced approach.

So the battle splits in two: Dortmund working on the numbers, Milan working on the heart.

Genk, for their part, sit in a strong position. An 18-year-old rated at €40m with two major clubs circling is the kind of auction every selling club dreams of. With one bid already turned down and more talks scheduled, the Belgian side can afford to wait for the full value they believe Karetsas commands.

The next move belongs to Milan’s transfer department. Amorim has made his call. Dortmund have made their offer. Karetsas now stands between a coach’s promise in Serie A and a proven pathway for young stars in the Bundesliga.

How long he is willing to wait for Milan may decide who wins this contest.