AC Milan Hoping Dortmund Steps Back as Karetsas Price Set at €40 Million

FolioPitch.com – 24 July 2026 | The transfer saga surrounding Greek international teenager Konstantinos Karetsas has taken a decisive turn as Karetsas price set at 40m as Milan hope Borussia Dortmund back down. According to reports from Sky Sports Deutschland reporter Patrick Berger, the latest offer from the German side — €30 million plus €5 million in add-ons and a 20 percent sell-on clause — was firmly rejected by KRC Genk, who are holding out for a straight €40 million package.

Milan had seemed to be trailing in this race after Borussia Dortmund sent representatives to Belgium for in-depth negotiations with Genk officials. However, the rejection of the improved bid has breathed new life into the Rossoneri’s pursuit. The Serie A club now knows exactly what it takes to land the talented attacking midfielder: a bid of €40 million, including add-ons, to match Genk’s valuation.

The 19-year-old Karetsas has been one of the most exciting prospects in European football this season. Coming through the Genk youth academy, he initially represented Belgium at various youth levels before switching allegiance to Greece, where he has already earned senior caps. His performances in 2024-25 have been remarkable: three goals and 18 assists in 49 competitive matches across all competitions, showcasing his creativity and vision from midfield.

Karetsas price set at 40m as Milan hope Borussia Dortmund back down is not just a headline — it reflects the current stalemate between Genk and Dortmund. The Belgian club have set a firm asking price, and with Dortmund seemingly unwilling to raise their offer further, Milan see an opening. Director of football at Milan, along with the technical staff, have monitored Karetsas for months, and they view him as a perfect addition to a midfield that needs more dynamism and goal-scoring threat from deep.

But the competition is not limited to Dortmund. Galatasaray and Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked with the teenager, though neither club has made a concrete bid yet. Genk, known for developing and selling young talents at high prices, are in a strong negotiating position. They are under no financial pressure to sell, and Karetsas’s contract, believed to run until 2028, gives them leverage.

For Milan, the next few weeks are crucial. The club is preparing to make its move, likely an offer that meets Genk’s €40 million demand. The hope is that Borussia Dortmund, having already had two bids rejected, will back down and allow Milan to secure the player without a bidding war. If the German club indeed walks away, Milan will have a clear path to negotiate personal terms with Karetsas.

The player himself has not commented publicly on his future, but sources close to him indicate he is open to a move to a top European league. The lure of Serie A, with its tactical emphasis and Milan’s history of developing young stars, could be a deciding factor. Additionally, the presence of Greek international teammates such as Sottil or other Hellenic players might smooth the adaptation.

Karetsas price set at 40m as Milan hope Borussia Dortmund back down: if Dortmund do not return with a new offer, Milan will likely table a formal bid soon after. The Rossoneri are confident that their project can convince Karetsas to choose San Siro over the Westfalenstadion. However, they are also aware that Genk expects a quick resolution, as the summer transfer window is still open for several weeks.

From a tactical perspective, Karetsas would bring much-needed creativity. He operates as an attacking midfielder or advanced playmaker, capable of unlocking defenses with through balls and dribbling. His assist numbers highlight his ability to create chances, while his goal tally shows he can also finish. At Milan, he could compete with players like Ruben Loftus-Cheek or Yunus Musah for a starting spot, or even be deployed as a trequartista in a 4-2-3-1 system.

Should the transfer go through, it would be one of the biggest in Milan’s recent history for a teenager. The €40 million fee would make him the second most expensive signing in the club’s history for a player under 20, behind only a few record deals.

In conclusion, the Karetsas price set at 40m as Milan hope Borussia Dortmund back down defines the current state of this transfer saga. With Dortmund’s latest offer rejected and Milan ready to pounce, the ball is now in the Italian club’s court. If they can finalize the deal, they will secure one of Europe’s brightest young talents — but they must act swiftly before other suitors enter the fray. The outcome of this race will be a key storyline of the summer window.