AC Milan complete signing of teenage striker Andrej Kostic from Partizan
AC Milan have finalised the signing of teenage Montenegrin striker Andrej Kostic from Partizan Belgrade on a permanent deal. The 19-year-old forward, born in Podgorica, will initially join the club's Milan Futuro project in July with a view to progressing to the first team.
The move concludes a pursuit that began in earnest last December, when negotiations between the clubs first took place. According to Kostic's former coach at Buducnost Podgorica, Ivan Brnovic, Partizan's vice-president Pedrag Mijatovic blocked the transfer at that time, holding out for a higher fee. However, the Serbian club's subsequent financial difficulties, which required them to sell a young talent to secure a UEFA licence, ultimately forced their hand and allowed Milan to secure the player for a reduced sum.
Kostic is a product of Buducnost, where he made his professional debut at 16 and contributed four goals to a league title-winning campaign in the 2023-24 season, a triumph secured by a record 24-point margin. Brnovic, who gave Kostic his senior debut, describes him as a natural-born goalscorer with impressive power in both feet and a knack for decisive contributions off the bench. "When Andrej is on the pitch, you can be sure something will happen," Brnovic said. "From him you can expect both normal and spectacular goals."
The coach provided a vivid stylistic comparison for Milan supporters, suggesting the youngster is a blend of two famed finishers. "For how he plays, he reminds me of Pippo Inzaghi, only more physically structured. He is always on the limit of offside and does everything to score," Brnovic explained. "So far he has scored mostly as a substitute, so from this point of view he especially reminds me of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer."
Brnovic emphasised Kostic's primary strength is his ruthless efficiency in front of goal, rather than link-up play. "If he has the ball at his feet when he is facing the goal, don't expect an assist, but to see the ball in the net in the next 2-3 seconds," he noted, while also acknowledging areas for development such as his hold-up play and technical refinement when away from the penalty area.
The signing addresses a clear area of concern for Milan, whose attack has been identified as a weakness this season under manager Massimiliano Allegri. The club is expected to be active in the striker market this summer, and Kostic represents a long-term investment in the position. His immediate pathway will see him integrated into the Milan Futuro setup, the club's revamped second team that competes in Serie C, where he will be tasked with adapting to Italian football.
Brnovic expressed optimism about Kostic's potential impact, suggesting his predatory instincts could translate successfully. "He has a great instinct as a killer in the area," the coach said. While admitting uncertainty over whether Serie A is the perfect league for him, Brnovic added, "If he manages to score in Italy, he will be able to do it in any top league in the future." He also advised Allegri to consider the player for first-team opportunities in specific scenarios, stating that in the final 15-20 minutes of a match where a goal is needed, Kostic is a reliable option to make something happen.
The acquisition continues Milan's strategy of recruiting promising young talent, with Kostic joining a lineage of forwards the club hopes can develop into a future star at San Siro. His progression will be closely monitored as the Rossoneri look to bolster their attacking options for the seasons ahead.
