Manchester United and AC Milan have intensified live scouting of 2007-born attacking midfielder Konstantinos Karetsas at KRC Genk. Contacts in England and Italy confirm both clubs have tracked him closely across recent Genk fixtures, with multiple in-person reports filed. Karetsas has taken senior steps at club level and impressed for Greece in the youth ranks, showcasing calm receiving, disguise on the pass and a clean strike from the edge of the box. Discussions are still early, but there is growing confidence that a summer structure involving a loan-back to Genk would suit all sides. The fit is especially clear for United under Rúben Amorim.
Recruitment staff from Manchester United and AC Milan have attended several Genk matches this autumn and winter, including first team and development fixtures at Cegeka Arena. Intermediaries close to the Belgian market brief that both clubs have compiled detailed analytics packages on Karetsas and made discrete background checks with Genk staff. The Belgian side are relaxed, pointing to a long-term contract and a development plan that guarantees minutes. The most realistic timeline is the summer window, with a buy-and-loan-back model already floated in conversations. Both clubs view Belgium as an ideal finishing school before integrating him into a top five league.
🚨 NEW: Manchester United, as well as AC Milan are scouting Konstantinos Karetsas (attacking midfielder born in 2007). This year, Karetsas became Greece's youngest goalscorer in competitive matches, scoring against Scotland in the Nations League playoffs. [@cmdotcom]
@UtdXclusive
Impact Analysis
Karetsas profiles as a modern half-space creator who can operate as a No.10 or an advanced No.8. For Manchester United under Rúben Amorim, the blueprint is straightforward. In a 3-4-2-1, the two inside forwards need to receive on the turn, combine under pressure and punch passes between lines. Karetsas does those actions naturally, with a first touch that sets up his next action and enough agility to slip challenges. He would offer a future pathway behind Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount, while dovetailing with a ball-progressing pivot like Kobbie Mainoo. United’s scouting reports highlight his press resistance and decision speed in tight pockets.
At AC Milan, Paulo Fonseca’s 4-2-3-1 and occasional 4-3-3 demand a creative hub between the lines who can work off Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao. Karetsas could grow as a rotational No.10, learning the tempo of Serie A before expanding minutes. Milan value technical clarity and structured pressing - two areas that match his academy education at Genk. The risk profile is typical for a 17-year-old: physical duels, consistency across 90 minutes, and off-ball intensity at senior pace. But the upside is high because his actions already scale - first contact is clean, head is up early, and he releases the ball on time.
From a market view, Belgium is a proven pathway for elite creators. A staged deal with add-ons tied to appearances, European qualification and international caps would protect the buying club and reward Genk. Either destination gains a long-run asset who fits modern positional play.
Reaction
Early fan chatter splits into two camps. Some United supporters are buzzing about a fearless No.10 who drifts into the right half-space and plays with personality, calling him a baller and urging the club to move before Milan do. Others are skeptical, asking if the link is real and whether United should prioritize immediate starters. A few savvy replies namecheck Giannis Konstantelias at PAOK as another Greek gem, arguing he is closer to being plug-and-play. That comparison is useful - it frames Karetsas as the higher-ceiling, earlier-stage project.
There is also a meta conversation about United’s recruitment shift. Fans notice more live scouting in Belgium and the Netherlands, and they like the idea of value signings who can grow inside a clear game model. Milan fans, meanwhile, point to the club’s success with young profiles and see Karetsas as stylistically aligned with Fonseca’s positional play. Across both fanbases the most popular route is buy now, loan back, then integrate after a full Belgian season. Skeptics still want proof of senior consistency, but the skill clips - quick wall passes, disguised through balls, low curlers from zone 14 - have moved the needle toward cautious excitement.
Social reactions
Bring🙈🌟 future superstar !!
ChopperDJoao (@ChopperJoao13)
Arsenal is also there for him let see 👀
VARUN SHARMA (@varunvish13)
Serious player, doubt it’s true tho
rey11 (@YanitedRoaad)
Prediction
Most likely scenario: United accelerate, place a formal marker with Genk before June, and negotiate a buy-and-loan-back framework. Amorim’s staff rate his half-space craft and want him rehearsing club principles early, even if he stays on the continent for one more season. Milan will not walk away - they value his profile - but could prioritize a more immediate creator if pricing climbs.
A credible alternative: Milan pitch a gentler runway, stressing Serie A’s tactical schooling and a pathway behind Pulisic and Reijnders. If Milan offer clearer minutes within 18 months, they remain a real threat. Genk’s stance will be firm. They prefer a structure that secures a premium with add-ons and keeps the player in Belgium short term to protect development.
Work permit planning matters for an English move. Post-Brexit rules mean EU passports do not remove the need for Governing Body Endorsement. A purchase followed by a loan within Europe until thresholds are met is the cleanest approach. Expect both clubs to ask for first-refusal mechanics and performance-related clauses. Timing favors a summer deal agreed early, medical and media done quickly, then a loan-back announced in tandem. If nothing derails, this has the feel of a done-by-July operation.
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Conclusion
Everything about this chase says modern recruitment done right. United and Milan are not gambling blind - they have sent senior scouts, built data packages and pressure tested the character references. Karetsas is exactly the kind of creative midfielder top clubs try to secure before the explosion. He already plays with the rhythm of a first teamer, yet has two or three gears to add once his frame fills out and he logs 2,000 senior minutes.
Genk know the market and will hold a strong line, but they also rarely block the right move when a plan protects the player. That is why a buy-and-loan-back feels inevitable. For United, he slots neatly into Amorim’s lanes-and-links football as a future inside 10. For Milan, he is a patient investment who fits Fonseca’s spacing and pressing patterns. Both roads work. The difference will come down to pathway guarantees and total package value.
My read after speaking with people around the deal tonight: momentum is with United, who see him as a priority youth signing for the summer. Milan remain in the frame, but if United move first, this could be wrapped early and quietly. One to watch, but more importantly, one that makes football sense.
ChopperDJoao
Bring🙈🌟 future superstar !!
VARUN SHARMA
Arsenal is also there for him let see 👀
rey11
Serious player, doubt it’s true tho
Aaron King
There is another Greek lad playing for PAOK and the Greece National Team. Giannis Konstantelias. Looks like a great player and still young.
Street 🇬🇧🎯
This guy be baller herr