Milan Getting Serious About Hellas Verona Rising Star: Reda Belahyane
Serie A giants AC Milan are said to be keeping a close eye on one of the breakout stars of the season's early stages in Hellas Verona midfielder Reda Belahyane. According to Calciomercato, the 20-year-old jumped Genoa's Morten Frendrup off Geoffrey Moncada's shortlist ahead of the January transfer window.
Born in 2004 in Aubervilliers, France, with Moroccan citizenship, Belahyane has quickly made a name for himself in Serie A. Since the young talent was discovered by Verona's sporting director Sean Sogliano, several top clubs like Chelsea and Olympique Marseille have trailed him, but it seems Milan leads the race for him.
With Paolo Zanetti, who replaced Verona's manager last summer, Belahyane is a driving force at Marc'Antonio Bentegodi. This season he has managed 11 Serie A appearances, to his name are two assists. His impressive performance hasn't gone unnoticed throughout Europe.
Milan can look to start negotiations with Verona in January as they look to solidify options in the middle of the park. Given that Youssouf Fofana needs someone dependable behind him and with Ismael Bennacer out for a long time, Belahyane may be just what Milan need. There is even talk that Bennacer could leave the club on a permanent basis in the near future.
Milan had been looking for an alternative to the Dane and Frendrup of Genoa, given that the asking price of €15 million had been too high. Milan have turned their attention to Belahyane, who would be available for a far more reasonable €8-10 million. Given the financial situation they are in, the Rossoneri should have no problem matching this amount, especially if they plan on selling Bennacer.
Going into the January transfer window, all eyes would be on AC Milan and their potential move for this exciting young talent from Hellas Verona. With Belahyane's performances continuing to impress, it is clear that Serie A's most successful club means business regarding his addition into the midfield ranks.