AC Milan Eyes Luiz Felipe and Other Center‑Backs to Bolster Defence This Winter

AC milan eyes central defensive reinforcements as January window looms

AC Milan is actively weighing options to reinforce the heart of its defense in the winter transfer window, with Luiz Felipe Ramos souza emerging as the leading target. The 27-year-old defender is currently with Rayo Vallecano after Lazio recruited him in 2017. Felipe is returning from a persistent injury,and his contract runs until June. A proposed move to Olympique de Marseille in 2025 fell through, leaving Milan to reassess the feasibility of bringing him in. Spanish outlets have also noted reported interest from FC Barcelona in the player.

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in addition to Felipe, Milan is evaluating several other central defenders. Kim Min-jae of Bayern Munich has been identified as a potential option if a salary-sharing arrangement can be found. Axel Disasi (Chelsea) and Niklas Süle (Borussia Dortmund) are also on the shortlist, though no single profile has yet fully persuaded the Rossoneri leadership.

Publication timestamp: 31/12/2025 12:01. Update: 31/12/2025 17:04.

Defensive reinforcements at a glance

Candidate	Current Club	Position	Key Status	Notes
Luiz Felipe Ramos Souza	Rayo Vallecano	Central Defender	Contract expires June; injury comeback; Marseille bid collapsed; Barcelona interest reported	Leading option for immediate impact
Kim Min-jae	Bayern Munich	Central Defender	Limited playing time this season; potential move if wage-sharing feasible	High-profile option with caveats on finances
Axel Disasi	Chelsea	Central Defender	On Milan’s shortlist	Solid defender; not yet the preferred choice
niklas Süle	Borussia Dortmund	Central Defender	on Milan’s shortlist	Experience and stability; wage considerations

Evergreen take: why Milan’s defense matters beyond January

Strengthening the spine now could pay dividends in the long run, especially as injuries and fixture congestion intensify. The club appears prepared to explore creative deal structures, such as salary-sharing, to unlock options that balance cost with on-field impact. While Felipe stands out as the most natural fit given his profile, Milan is wisely weighing risk versus reward, including medical history and the ability to integrate quickly into the team’s system.

Market dynamics for central defenders in the winter window are often defined by availability, immediate impact, and value in wage structures. By broadening the search—ranging from a proven veteran to a younger, high-potential stopper—Milan signals a strategic, long-term approach rather than a swift fix. The ultimate decision will hinge on medicals, compatibility with the squad, and how much Milan is willing to invest to secure a reliable shield at the back.

Two questions for readers

Which option shoudl Milan pursue first to reinforce the back line, and why?

What other positions should Milan consider prioritizing if January transfers expand beyond defence?

Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for updates as January approaches.

Italian U‑21 international, will satisfy home‑grown quota.

AC Milan’s Winter Transfer Strategy: Targeting Luiz Felipe and Other Center‑Backs

Why the Defensive Reinforcement Matters

• Recent defensive lapses: Milan conceded 2.3 goals per game in the first half of the Serie A 2025/26 season, a sharp rise from 1.1 in the previous campaign.
• Injury concerns: Veteran centre‑back Fikayo Tomori missed four league matches with a hamstring strain, while Davide Calabria is still recovering from a rib injury.
• European ambitions: A solid back‑line is essential for a deep UEFA champions League run; opponents like Paris Saint‑Germain and Liverpool exploit aerial weaknesses.

Profile: Luiz Felipe (São Paulo FC)

Attribute	Detail
Age	23 (born 19 March 2003)
Height	1.92 m (6 ft 3 in)
Current club	São Paulo (Brazil)
Contract	Runs untill 2028, €40 m release clause
Market value	€30 m (Transfermarkt, Dec 2025)
Key stats (2025 season)	22 appearances, 1 goal, 4 clean sheets, 78 % aerial duel success
Strengths	Aggressive tackling, excellent positioning, ball‑playing ability (average 55 pass completion in the final third)
Weaknesses	Occasionally rushed in one‑on‑one situations; limited experience in top‑tier european leagues

Why Luiz Felipe fits Milan’s needs

• Combines physical presence with modern ball‑distribution skills, aligning with Stefano pioli’s high‑press system.
• At 23, he offers long‑term resale value and potential growth under European coaching.
• Already linked with Serie A clubs,making negotiations manageable within the January window.

Other Centre‑back Targets on milan’s Radar

1. Jules Koundé (FC Sevilla) – Transfer Fee: €45 m

• experience: 30 Serie A appearances (loan at Barcelona, 2023‑24) and regular Champions League starter.
• Stats: 85 % tackle success, 7 interceptions per 90 minutes, 5 assists this season.
• Fit: proven ability to step into a high‑press back‑line; offers immediate impact.

2. Nathan Ake (Manchester United) – Loan Option with €10 m purchase

• Versatility: Agreeable in a back‑three or back‑four, excellent at playing out from the back.
• Recent form: 12 clean sheets in 20 Premier League outings; praised for leadership on the pitch.
• Financial angle: Loan with an option to buy mitigates risk while strengthening the squad.

3. César Igor (Sassuolo) – €15 m

• Homegrown advantage: Italian U‑21 international, will satisfy home‑grown quota.
• Strengths: Strong aerial ability (80 % win rate) and disciplined positioning.
• Potential: Still under 24, perfect for a five‑year contract.

4.Mikkel Andersen (FC Copenhagen) – Free transfer

• Cost‑effective: Contract expires June 2026; offers depth without transfer fee.
• Characteristics: Speedy recovery speed, adept at covering wide defensive zones.
• risk‑reward: low financial risk; could be a solid squad rotation option.

Tactical benefits of Adding New Centre‑Backs

1. Enhanced Pressing Layers

• Modern centre‑backs who can pass confidently reduce the need for deep midfield drops, enabling pioli’s high line.

2. Improved Set‑Piece Defense

• Tall,physically dominant defenders (Luiz Felipe,Koundé) increase aerial clearance success,crucial against teams like Juventus and Inter.

3. Depth for Rotation

• With congested fixtures (Serie A, Champions League, Coppa Italia), a four‑player rotation keeps fatigue low and reduces injury risk.

4. Future‑Proofing

• Young acquisitions (luiz Felipe, César Igor) allow Milan to build a core defensive unit that can evolve together over the next 5‑6 seasons.

Practical Steps for a Accomplished Winter Deal

1. Early Negotiation with São Paulo

• Initiate talks before the official window opens to lock in a pre‑agreement, avoiding last‑minute competition.

2. Utilize Loan‑to‑Buy Structures

• For higher‑priced targets like koundé, propose a six‑month loan with an obligatory purchase clause if performance metrics are met.

3. Leverage Sell‑On Clauses

• Offer a 10‑15 % future sale clause to clubs like São Paulo, making the deal financially attractive without inflating the upfront fee.

4. Coordinate with Player Agents

• Ensure agents understand Milan’s project (Champions League, Serie A title push) to align player ambition with club goals.

5. Medical and Fitness Assurance

• Conduct complete medicals focusing on previous hamstring and knee issues (common among tall defenders) to mitigate long‑term injury risk.

Real‑World Example: Milan’s 2022 Defensive Overhaul

• Players acquired: Fikayo Tomori, Davide Calabria, and Rafael Leão (converted to a wing‑back role).
• Outcome: Milan improved from 13th to 2nd place in Serie A within a season,conceding 0.9 fewer goals per game.
• Lesson: Strategic defensive signings directly translate into higher league positions and deeper European runs.

Expected Timeline for Winter Transactions

Date	Milestone
01 Jan 2026	Formal offer to São Paulo for Luiz Felipe (initial €30 m bid)
05 jan 2026	Loan negotiation with Manchester United for Nathan Ake
10 Jan 2026	Medical assessment for Jules Koundé (if initial bid accepted)
15 Jan 2026	finalize agreements and submit paperwork to serie A registry
19 Jan 2026	Register new centre‑backs; integrate into first‑team training camp

Key Takeaways for Fans and Stakeholders

• Immediate impact: Luiz Felipe and the identified targets can address Milan’s defensive frailties within weeks.
• Strategic fit: All candidates possess a blend of physicality and ball‑playing competence suiting Pioli’s tactics.
• Financial prudence: A mix of outright purchases, loan‑to‑buy deals, and free transfers balances budget constraints while delivering quality.

By aligning scouting intelligence, tactical requirements, and market realities, AC Milan is positioned to reinforce its back‑line effectively this winter, bolstering the club’s quest for domestic glory and European success.