The transfer saga surrounding Brazilian sensation André has taken another dramatic turn, with AC Milan reportedly returning to the negotiating table with a significantly improved offer. After a previous agreement hit a major roadblock, the Rossoneri are determined not to let the talented teenager slip through their fingers.
According to reports from Football Italia and ESPN Brasil, the Italian giants have now tabled a package worth €22 million for the 19-year-old, whose full name is André Luiz Santos Dias.
The Stalled Deal: Why André Didn’t Move Sooner
Just weeks ago, it appeared that André was destined for the San Siro. A deal worth €17 million had been verbally agreed upon, and the player had even expressed his willingness to waive his 30% share of his own registration rights to ensure the move went through.
However, the transfer was sensationally blocked at the eleventh hour by Corinthians President Osmar Stabile. Facing significant pressure from the club’s supporters and coaching staff, Stabile refused to sign the final documents, leading to a period of frosty relations between the two clubs. Milan were even rumoured to be considering legal action via FIFA, but this new, higher bid suggests a preference for a diplomatic resolution.
Why AC Milan are Desperate to Sign André
The persistence shown by Milan scouts and directors highlights just how highly rated André is within the European scouting community. Despite his young age, he has become a cornerstone of the Corinthians midfield, playing alongside high-profile names like Memphis Depay.
André is viewed as a modern, “complete” midfielder. With four goals in 28 appearances since his senior debut, he has demonstrated:
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Tactical Versatility: Capable of playing as a deep-lying playmaker or a more advanced box-to-box threat.
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Physical Presence: Despite being only 19, he has adapted seamlessly to the physical demands of the Brazilian top flight.
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Composure: His ability to retain possession under pressure has made him a primary target for Paulo Fonseca’s system at Milan.
The Details of the New €22m Proposal
The updated offer for André is structured to satisfy the financial demands of the Corinthians board while protecting Milan’s investment. The deal is understood to consist of an €18 million fixed fee, supplemented by €4 million in performance-related bonuses.
By increasing the guaranteed amount, Milan hope to give President Stabile the “political cover” he needs to sanction the sale to the fans. If accepted, the midfielder is expected to remain in Brazil until the European summer window opens in June, allowing him to finish the current campaign with his boyhood club.
What’s Next for the Brazilian Wonderkid?
While AC Milan remain the frontrunners, they aren’t the only ones watching. Atlético Madrid have also been linked with André as an alternative to other targets, but the player’s heart appears set on a move to the San Siro.
If the clubs can finalise the paperwork this time, André will join a long and storied tradition of Brazilian legends who have made the move from South America to the red and black half of Milan. For the Rossoneri, securing the signature of André would represent a major coup in their strategy of recruiting the world’s best young talent before their price tags become astronomical.
