In just a few days, Cheveyo Balentien 's life has changed radically, writes the online edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport . First the emotion of his Serie A debut with AC Milan against Lecce , then the decisive assist that gave AC Milan Futuro the victory against Gozzano . At just eighteen years old, the Surinamese striker is experiencing a whirlwind of emotions after an eventful summer: from the trial with PSG , to the return to the Netherlands with Ado Den Haag, up to his arrival in Milan , where he signed a five-year contract that marks a turning point for him and his family.
Last season, with Den Haag's Under-19 team, Balentien put together impressive numbers: 24 goals and 12 assists , performances that couldn't go unnoticed by international observers. A 1.93 meter tall winger, he combines physical power and surprising speed for his build, as well as a refined left foot that makes him dangerous on both the right and left. It's no coincidence that after the Lecce match, a teammate compared him to Leao , according to the Gazzetta dello Sport : a risky comparison, but one that demonstrates the respect he already enjoys in the locker room.
AC Milan believed in him and secured a contract until 2030, ensuring they wouldn't miss out on a talent who had been in danger of fading just a few weeks earlier. In July, Balentien showed up at PSG's training center for a ten-day trial, which he passed with flying colors . However, there was no immediate room for him in the Parisian second team: a spot had to be freed up to sign him, a process that proved complicated. So the youngster returned to Amsterdam, and Den Haag, despite not renewing his contract, obtained a waiver to field him in several international tournaments. It was there that he rekindled the interest of several clubs, including AC Milan.
The intervention of Igli Tare , who had just taken office as AC Milan's sporting director, was crucial . Upon learning of his availability, he acted quickly, supported by the opinion of Kirovski , head of Milan Futuro , who was immediately convinced of his talent. The operation was also a financial one: the Dutch club will receive a maximum compensation of less than 10,000 euros , a figure far from the approximately 40,000 that would have been required in the event of a renewal with Ado Den Haag.
Today, Balentien is a key figure in AC Milan's future in Serie D, but Massimiliano Allegri's eyes are always on him. He's occasionally called up to Milanello to train with the seniors, under the watchful eye of his new assistant, Bernardo Corradi , a further sign of the club's belief in him. Meanwhile, his image has already appeared on AC Milan's official social media channels, confirming his status as a prospect to watch closely. For Balentien, the present is all about hard work and patience, but the first moves have been the right ones. The future, judging by the outlook, looks truly promising.