Milan argument erupts over Kostic transfer worth €8m
A bizarre row has erupted around Milan’s deal to sign Andrej Kostic for up to €8m including add-ons, as Partizan Belgrade directors publicly argue over the agreement.
The Rossoneri are investing for the future and shook hands with the Serbian club to buy striker Kostic for €3.5m plus up to a further €4.5m in various add-ons and performance-related bonuses.
He turned 19 in January and already has two senior caps for Montenegro, with medical tests expected this week before signing the contract.
Partizan Belgrade battle over Milan deal
All this would appear to be news to Partizan Belgrade vice president Pedrag Mijatovic, who released a furious statement denouncing the transfer.
“I wish to tell the Partizan fans, and the whole sporting world, that I am clearly and completely distancing myself from this decision.
“I confirm that I have not been consulted in any way regarding the Andrej Kostic transfer to Milan, and have never even seen the Milan offer.
“I underline that if I had been involved in the decision-making process, I would’ve made very clear to all the members of the Board that I am totally against accepting such an insultingly low offer.
“Is this how the club intends to operate in future, selling its most promising players practically for free? You made this decision despite the rest of the Board knowing that in recent months I had intense talks with representatives of various clubs in Europe’s top five leagues, that I told them all our players have big release clauses.
“I believe this sale has set a dangerous precedent, which will have an extremely negative impact on the perceived value of our players on the transfer market.”
Partizan Belgrade’s other directors released their own statement in a newsletter, insisting that on Wednesday night they will give a clear and detailed response to all the accusations.
It is the second time in just a few weeks that Milan have been involved in a transfer that proved complicated, as they had agreed a deal with Corinthians for midfielder Andre, only for it to be ripped up by their President.