Bournemouth has entered the race to sign Genoa center-back Koni De Winter, joining Inter in pursuit of the highly rated Belgian defender, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Cherries view De Winter as a potential replacement for Illia Zabarnyi, who is expected to leave the club this summer.
Talks have already taken place between Inter and Genoa, but the Serie A giants are yet to make a formal bid while they consider the future of current center-back Yann Bisseck.
Inter Weigh De Winter Transfer Amid Bisseck Uncertainty
Inter’s interest in De Winter has been well-documented. The Nerazzurri have identified the 23-year-old as a top target in the event Bisseck departs, with Crystal Palace submitting a €32 million offer for the German defender.
Inter, who are 11/4 to win next season’s Scudetto as per US betting sites, are holding out for closer to €40 million but are actively preparing for a possible sale.
Should Bisseck leave, De Winter is seen as a ready-made replacement.
The Belgian international, who came through Juventus’ academy before joining Genoa, has impressed with his technical quality on the ball, as well as his ability to operate in both a back four and a three-man system.
How Much Do Genoa Want for De Winter?
Reports in Italy suggest Genoa are willing to negotiate De Winter’s sale, valuing the player at around €25 million.
While Inter had initially targeted Parma’s Giovanni Leoni, the 18-year-old’s €40 million price tag has likely ruled out a move. De Winter is viewed as a more attainable and Serie A-proven alternative.
For Inter, De Winter represents a balance of quality, experience, and affordability. However, they may need to move quickly as Premier League interest grows.
Koni De Winter Transfer News
With Bournemouth now seriously considering a move, De Winter is no longer just a Serie A story. His Premier League-ready profile and consistent performances in Italy have attracted attention beyond Inter.
The defender’s age, skillset, and market value make him a strong asset for clubs like Bournemouth looking to strengthen their back line without breaking the bank.
The coming weeks are set to be decisive. While Inter remain firmly in the conversation, their need to offload players before committing could open the door for Bournemouth to act first.
Genoa is open for business, and the player is understood to be keen on taking the next step in his career.
Whether that’s in the Premier League or back with one of Italy’s giants, Koni De Winter’s future is firmly in the spotlight as August approaches.