AC Milan: Daniel Svensson – The Solution to the Left Flank Puzzle under Amorim

When the winter transfer window was only a few weeks away from closing, AC Milan could not hide their regret after the move for Pervis Estupinan from Benfica collapsed right at the last moment. But in football, when one door closes, another opens. In Dortmund, Daniel Svensson has emerged as a possible solution for the left flank of the San Siro side. I have often wondered: Why are Milan so focused on the left-back position? The answer lies in the tactics of coach Ruben Amorim. The 3-4-2-1 formation does not simply require a defender who can defend, but a complete wing-back who can stretch the width, attack down the flank, and also track back to support the centre-backs. With Theo Hernandez limited by his attacking duties, and other options such as Bartesaghi not convincing, Milan need a new face. Reports from Fussballdaten indicate that both Milan and Juventus have sent scouts to monitor Daniel Svensson, the 2026-born Swedish winger of Borussia Dortmund. They have enquired about the possibility of signing him during the winter market. Svensson moved to Dortmund in February 2026 on loan from Nordsjaelland, and Dortmund activated a €6.5 million buy option after he impressed in the second half of the season. What catches my attention is not just his ability to run down the flank, but his versatility. He can play as an attacking left-back, a central midfielder, or even as a left-sided centre-back in a back three. In the recent Champions League match against Villarreal, Svensson was rated 7/10 in the role of left-sided centre-back – a sign of good tactical adaptability. This is particularly useful for Amorim, who demands players who can move flexibly within the system. Looking at the footage I have studied, Svensson is not the explosive type of player like Nuno Mendes or Alphonso Davies. He plays smarter: moving into spaces, timing his overlaps well, and above all, his ability to transition quickly. His high intensity and stamina allow him to constantly push up and down the flank for 90 minutes. Moreover, his tactical intelligence helps him maintain position well when facing counter-attacks. In Amorim's philosophy, wing-backs must ensure both width and depth. They are the ones who create breakthroughs through crosses or cutting inside. With his ability to read space and make long diagonal passes, Svensson could become the tactical weapon Milan lack on the left side. I often say: "I view teams as a blueprint, and the biggest surprises come from the attacking plane." Clearly, here the left flank is where that surprise can originate. However, interest from Juventus makes the race unpredictable. Both Italian clubs are looking for a left-sider who can play full-back or wing-back, and Svensson fits perfectly. His valuation is estimated by Fussballdaten at €40-45 million – not a cheap figure, especially when Milan need to allocate budget for other positions as well. On the flip side, is Svensson truly a priority or just a backup option? An important detail: the Estupinan deal fell through because Amorim wanted a more physically dominant full-back. Estupinan, who previously played at Brighton, is familiar with European football. Svensson has only had one full season at Dortmund and has never played in a league as demanding as Serie A. This reminds me of my mistake in 2026 when I trusted formations on paper more than reality on the pitch. Adapting to a new football culture is always an unknown. I usually watch each match at least twice. Once to feel the atmosphere, the second time to focus on just one player or one zone. With Svensson, I have watched replays of Dortmund's matches in the Bundesliga and Champions League. He has good spatial awareness and quick decision-making, but sometimes he loses his position when the opponent presses aggressively. In a league like Serie A, full-backs often face many one-on-one situations. Does he have the strength and composure to stand firm? Another aspect fans often overlook: transfer value. Dortmund is a club that often sells players at high prices and knows how to maximize profits. If Milan seriously want Svensson, they will have to pay the asking price or persuade with a fee structure including add-ons. Juventus are not an easy rival either, especially as they could become an attractive destination given their tradition of developing Nordic players. But from a tactical perspective, I believe that the arrival of Svensson would bring a new dimension to Milan. Unlike purely attacking-minded left-backs, he knows how to restrain himself and contribute to defense from deep. This perfectly matches Amorim's demand for balance between both phases. With decent height and good one-on-one ability, he could also help Milan improve their defensive set-pieces. In the past, I learned that transfer decisions depend not only on talent but also on context. For Milan, the current context is that they are building a long-term squad. Last summer they brought in many young players under Cardinale's strategy. Svensson, at 24, fits this project. But it would be remiss not to mention that Milan also have other young prospects such as Bartesaghi, who needs opportunities to develop. The race to sign Svensson is expected to heat up in the coming days. Both Milan and Juventus want to strengthen the left-back position, and both see the potential in the Swedish lad. However, I am not quick to jump to conclusions. I need to see whether Amorim prefers a more experienced profile or not. If this transfer succeeds, it might be like Milan adding another brick to Amorim's tactical wall. But there is also a possibility the deal goes nowhere and Milan turn to other targets. Either way, I will keep a close watch. Today I do not name the best player; I am merely trying to read the thoughts of the passer: do they see Svensson as the most effective gap to deliver the ball? We all know football is full of unexpected twists. A failed deal can open the door to a better opportunity. For AC Milan, losing Estupinan might turn out to be a blessing as they consider a versatile player like Svensson. However, to achieve major objectives, the Rossoneri need to act quickly and precisely, because the winter transfer window waits for no one. The only question remains: Can Svensson become the perfect piece in Amorim's puzzle?