AC Milan are considering Leicester’s Caleb Okoli as part of their defensive rebuild after selling Thiaw. Allegri’s shift to a three-man defense increases the demand for rotation options.
What Happened?
AC Milan are reportedly interested in signing Leicester City centre-back Caleb Okoli as they aim to bolster their defense following the sale of Malick Thiaw to Newcastle United for €35 million. Massimiliano Allegri, Milan’s head coach, is shifting to a three-man defense, which has increased the need for more central defenders. With only four available central defenders—Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia, Strahinja Pavlovic, and Koni De Winter—Milan are considering Okoli as a more affordable defensive option compared to higher-priced targets such as Giovanni Leoni from Parma and Pietro Comuzzo from Fiorentina.
The Bigger Picture
Milan’s primary focus remains securing Rasmus Højlund, but strengthening their defense is becoming an urgent priority. Okoli, who joined Leicester from Atalanta for €14 million last summer, had a solid debut season in the Premier League. The 23-year-old impressed with his physicality and defensive presence and is seen as a more budget-friendly option for Milan compared to other potential signings. Okoli’s contract with Leicester runs until June 2029, and his agent also manages Milan midfielder Samuele Ricci, adding further links between the player and the club.
What’s Next for AC Milan?
Milan’s tactical shift to a three-man defense means they will be looking for depth in the backline, and Okoli is a serious candidate for this role. With the Coppa Italia opener against Bari coming up this weekend, Milan are expected to ramp up their search for defensive reinforcements. If negotiations progress, Okoli could be a valuable addition to Allegri’s defense ahead of the 2025-26 season.
