Milan have confirmed the signing of young defender Pierre Kalulu on a free transfer from French side Lyon.
Although he failed to make a senior appearance for Lyon, he put in wonderful performances in the UEFA Youth League and Milan Sporting Director, Paolo Maldini, swooped in to secure the Frenchman’s signature to a five-year contract.
Kalulu has made a handful of France U-20 appearances so far and looks a bright prospect for the future, joining up with Milan’s exciting revolution under Stefano Pioli. The 20-year-old is a strong, versatile option who will look to immediately boost the defensive ranks in Pioli’s side.
Kalulu can fill in at right-back or center-back, with his speed, stamina, aggressiveness, passing, and reading of the game part of his impressive talents.
His versatility is much-needed in the Rossoneri backline; Neither Davide Calabria nor Andrea Conti have been able to consistently nail down the right fullback spot and the Frenchman is a good passer over long and short distances, his tackling and capability going forward would also suit Milan’s fluid play.
Whilst Theo Hernández has been a huge asset going forward from left-back, Kalulu might prove vital in securing a balancing act on the other flank. Additionally, Kalulu will be capable of deputizing for Simon Kjaer and Alessio Romagnoli at center-half – his 180 cm tall frame, physicality, and positioning will be as important as his ability on the ball.
The youngster is by no means a marquee signing or expected to make an immediate impact but he is perhaps one for the future that can only get better with age. Even better, that he didn’t cost a fortune as well. Altogether, it’s a good signing from the Rossoneri outfit.