Kostić to Milan: Mijatović distances himself from the transfer
A true earthquake has erupted inside Partizan Belgrade following the transfer of young talent Andrej Kostić to AC Milan. The controversy was ignited by Predrag Mijatović, the club’s vice-president and a European football legend — best known for his time at Real Madrid — who released a scathing statement in which he firmly distanced himself from the deal.
Mijatović’s fiery statement
Mijatović pulled no punches. In his statement, addressed primarily to Partizan’s fan base and the broader Serbian sporting public, the former striker declared: “I completely distance myself from this decision. I was not in any way involved or consulted regarding the transfer of Kostić, and I never even saw AC Milan’s offer. Had I been involved in the decision-making process, I would have clearly and unequivocally expressed my strong opposition to such a derisory offer.”
The core of the dispute revolves around the financial valuation: Milan sealed the deal for approximately €3 million plus bonuses, along with a sell-on percentage in favour of Partizan. Mijatović, however, believes the fair price for the young Montenegrin talent was closer to €20 million — a figure far removed from the agreed terms.
Kostić’s numbers at Partizan
The young forward’s numbers speak for themselves: 27 appearances and 10 goals for Partizan Belgrade, a record that attracted the attention of several European clubs. Impressive statistics for a player of his age, which at least partially justify the vice-president’s frustration over a sale he considers premature and conducted on unfavourable terms.
Internal tensions at Partizan: what happens next?
Mijatović’s anger is not directed at Milan but rather at his own club’s leadership. The vice-president complains of being excluded from every phase of the negotiation and demands full transparency — not only on this transfer but on the overall management of the club. Reports emerging from Serbia suggest the rest of Partizan’s board disagrees with Mijatović, who appears isolated within the organisation.
The Serbian club has announced it will provide full and detailed responses on Wednesday to all accusations made by its vice-president. A key date to monitor for further developments.
Is the Milan-Partizan deal at risk?
A reassuring sign for Rossoneri fans: Kostić has already completed his medical in Milan, which indicates the offer was formally accepted by Partizan. An official announcement is still pending, but the operation appears to be at a very advanced stage. In theory, the deal should be done, although caution is always warranted in the transfer market.
Milan have once again demonstrated remarkable ability in identifying talent at affordable prices in Eastern European markets — a strategy that has brought several exciting prospects to the club in recent years. The signing of Kostić fits perfectly within the youth development policy championed by the management at Via Aldo Rossi.
All that remains is to await the next developments from Partizan’s camp for definitive confirmation, but the signs for Milan are encouraging.
