Milan Targets Strasbourg’s Doué and Verona’s Belghali as Saelemaekers Shifts Left

FolioPitch.com – 11 July 2026 | In a strategic move to strengthen the right flank, AC Milan is reportedly setting sights on two promising full-backs: Guela Doué of Strasbourg and Rafik Belghali of Hellas Verona. This development comes as the club considers a positional switch for Alexis Saelemaekers, with the Belgian international potentially moving to the left side as an inverted wing-back. According to Tuttosport, the Rossoneri are actively pursuing these targets, signaling a clear intent to bolster their defensive options ahead of the new season.

The report, which aligns with Tuttosport Milan eyeing Strasbourg and Verona duo with Saelemaekers switch planned, highlights the club’s proactive approach in the transfer market. Last summer, Milan invested around €10 million to sign Zachary Athekame from BSC Young Boys, but the management remains unconvinced about his readiness to start regularly. As a result, the search for a more established right wing-back has intensified, with Doué and Belghali emerging as prime candidates.

Guela Doué, an Ivorian defender at Strasbourg, has long been on Milan’s radar. A year ago, the club attempted to secure his services but eventually opted for Athekame. Now, contact has been re-established with Doué’s entourage, and the player has expressed strong enthusiasm for a move to Milanello. Milan has reportedly prepared a five-year contract worth €2.5 million net per season plus bonuses. However, negotiations with Strasbourg are expected to be challenging, given the French club’s reputation for demanding high fees.

As an alternative, Milan is also considering Rafik Belghali, the Algerian full-back from Hellas Verona. Belghali impressed at the World Cup and is valued at around €15 million. The Rossoneri have already made inquiries, but they face competition from Fiorentina, who are also keen on the 24-year-old. The potential addition of Belghali would provide depth and competition on the right side, aligning with coach Ruben Amorim’s tactical adjustments.

The planned switch of Alexis Saelemaekers to the left is a key factor driving this search. Amorim, experimenting during preseason, views Saelemaekers as an inverted wing-back capable of cutting inside from the left. This would free up the right side for a natural right-footer, making the acquisition of a specialist a priority. The Tuttosport Milan eyeing Strasbourg and Verona duo with Saelemaekers switch planned report underscores the interconnectivity of these moves, as Milan reshapes its squad to fit Amorim’s system.

Doué, 21, has shown promise in Ligue 1 with his pace and defensive solidity. Belghali, meanwhile, offers experience in Serie A and a strong attacking outlet from deep. Both players are seen as long-term investments, but Milan’s immediate need for a starting-caliber right wing-back could accelerate negotiations. The club’s strategy reflects a broader trend of targeting young, dynamic full-backs who can contribute both defensively and offensively.

If successful, these signings would mark a significant upgrade to Milan’s backline. The Tuttosport Milan eyeing Strasbourg and Verona duo with Saelemaekers switch planned narrative also suggests that the club is willing to be patient in negotiations, with the window still open for several weeks. Fans will be watching closely to see if Doué or Belghali dons the red and black before the season starts.

In conclusion, AC Milan’s pursuit of Guela Doué and Rafik Belghali, driven by the tactical shift of Alexis Saelemaekers, demonstrates the club’s ambition to refine its squad under Ruben Amorim. The coming weeks will be crucial as the Rossoneri aim to secure one of these targets, potentially reshaping their defense for the upcoming campaign. The Tuttosport Milan eyeing Strasbourg and Verona duo with Saelemaekers switch planned report remains the central talking point in Milan’s transfer rumors, and only time will tell if the club can finalize these deals.