Dennis Praet: Giampaolo’s first signing at AC Milan
Marco Giampaolo could start his adventure at AC Milan by bringing with him a familiar face from Sampdoria, midfielder Dennis Praet.
It is a crucial moment for the future of AC Milan. Without Leonardo or Gennaro Gattuso anymore, the Rossoneri are in search of replacements. While Paolo Maldini should be promoted and take Leonardo’s role as technical director, Marco Giampaolo is the favorite name to become the new AC Milan coach. And very likely, Giampaolo’s first signing at San Siro is going to be Dennis Praet.
The appointment of the new coach is expected to happen next week after Maldini accepts Gazidis’ proposal. However, talks for the new coach continue and there is one name that pleases both Maldini and Gazidis and that is Marco Giampaolo. After years of experience in Serie A, the Italian coach will finally have the chance to lead a top club.
This summer is also going to be very busy for Milan regarding sales and signing. The midfield is going to be the department that will undergo a total transformation with at least three signings already planned. Sampdoria star Dennis Praet is the one player that Giampaolo would desperately want to bring with him at San Siro.
Praet, a player linked with AC Milan in the past, was enhanced by Giampaolo in recent years and is now one of the best midfielders in Serie A. Giampaolo has never spared compliments for the 25-year-old central midfielder. “Praet can become the Modric of tomorrow“, he declared a few weeks ago.
Sampdoria signed Dennis Praet in 2016 from Anderlecht for 10 million euros. In his three years in Italy, the Belgium international has matured a lot technically and tactically. The former Anderlecht can also play as attacking midfielder and left winger offering Giampaolo, and perhaps Milan, many tactical solutions. Sampdoria value the player at 30 million euros. The potential signing of Praet doesn’t exclude the arrival of Stefano Sensi. AC Milan had agreed terms with both the player and the club but after Leonardo’s departure his transfer has been put on hold.