Milan vs Dortmund: The Battle for Konstantinos Karetsas

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

The race for Konstantinos Karetsas, KRC Genk’s 18-year-old creator and one of Europe’s more intriguing young midfielders, has quietly turned into a straight duel between Milan and Dortmund, with the German club currently pushing hardest to get a deal over the line.

Dortmund have already sat down with Genk several times to talk numbers and structure. Their opening proposal – €30 million plus €5 million in add-ons – went in, but Genk pushed it straight back. The Belgian side value the Greece international at around €40 million including bonuses, and they are holding that line.

Dortmund have not walked away. Reports in Belgium (HLN) indicate fresh talks are taking place today, underlining how determined the Bundesliga side are to close this early and avoid an auction. It fits their model: move quickly, pay firmly but not wildly, and trust their track record with young attacking talent to do the rest.

Milan are playing a different game.

While Dortmund work the boardroom, Amorim has gone directly to the player. According to the same Belgian source, the Milan coach called Karetsas personally to lay out his vision: where he would fit, how he would develop, what kind of role he could grow into at San Siro. No intermediaries, no vague promises – just a coach trying to win a footballer’s mind before the market wins his signature.

There is a catch. Milan are not yet in a position to attack the deal financially. With Genk holding firm around that €40m mark, the Rossoneri need to free up funds first. Amorim’s hope is clear: convince Karetsas to wait. Hold off on Dortmund’s pressure, resist the first big offer, and allow Milan time to make a sale so they can “go all in” when the moment comes.

For now, the lines are sharply drawn. Dortmund, meetings and money on the table. Milan, a coach’s voice and a promise of a central role once the accounts allow it.

The next move belongs to Genk – and to an 18-year-old deciding whether to follow the fastest offer, or the project that asks him to wait.