Milan vs Dortmund: The Race for Konstantinos Karetsas

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

The tug-of-war for Konstantinos Karetsas, KRC Genk’s 18-year-old creative fulcrum, is starting to look like a straight fight between Milan and the Bundesliga club, with each side playing to its strengths in very different ways.

Dortmund have moved first and loudest. The German club, long addicted to elite teenage talent, have already held several meetings with Genk to thrash out a fee and, according to Belgian outlet HLN, are back at the table again today. Their opening proposal – €30 million plus €5m in add-ons – has been turned down. Genk are holding the line at around €40m, bonuses included.

That hasn’t scared Dortmund off. It has only clarified the numbers.

Milan, by contrast, are working the angles rather than the cheque book. The same Belgian reports say Amorim personally called Karetsas, laying out his vision for the youngster’s role in his project at San Siro. No intermediaries. No vague promises. A direct pitch from the man who would coach him.

The message from Milan is clear: you’re not just another asset; you’re a cornerstone in waiting.

There is a catch. Milan need to sell before they can truly step into the ring. Amorim is said to be asking the teenager for patience, hoping Karetsas will hold off committing to Dortmund while the Rossoneri create room – and budget – to “go all in” on the transfer once an outgoing deal is done.

So the scenario is set. On one side, Dortmund, already negotiating figures with Genk, pushing to close while the price and pathway are both defined. On the other, Milan, leaning on the power of a coach’s direct appeal and the allure of a central role, but still waiting for the financial dominoes to fall.

For Karetsas, who has already shown his composure on the European stage with Genk in the UEFA Europa League, this is more than a choice between two big clubs. It is a decision between immediate clarity and a promise worth waiting for.

Dortmund are ready now. Milan are asking him to believe in what comes next.