Movistar Team likely to lose Giro protagonist Lorenzo Milesi for Soudal - Quick-Step

Lorenzo Milesi’s future is coming into sharper focus as the transfer market gathers pace after the Giro d’Italia. The Italian rider, currently with Movistar Team, now looks set for a team change that, if confirmed, would be one of the most notable moves among the WorldTour’s young talents.

According to journalist Daniel Benson, the 24-year-old Italian has virtually agreed terms with Soudal - Quick-Step, joining at the start of the 2027 season on a two-year deal. The move fits with last week’s reports, which indicated Milesi had shifted from a near-certain renewal with Movistar to the shortlist of several top-tier teams.

Benson adds that, after his strong Giro d’Italia, the rider drew interest from a top-five structure worldwide, with multiple sources placing him on a short list of targets. In the end, Soudal - Quick-Step is understood to have moved to the front of the queue, although the Belgian team has declined to comment on market activity, in line with its customary discretion in such matters.

The Giro was the turning point in Milesi’s valuation. Without needing a stage win, the Italian built a very solid campaign on consistency and constant race presence. He took fourth on stage 5 after a long break to Potenza, then backed it up with fifth on stage 8, underlining his steady level in demanding scenarios.

His knack for making long breakaways has also stood out. On one of the hardest days of the second week, he stayed clear in a move for almost 180 kilometres, in a stage ultimately decided among the favourites with victory for Jonas Vingegaard, reinforcing his image as a durable, reliable rider over prolonged efforts.

Beyond the results, the Italian also left striking details, such as the individual time trial in which he started wearing a training gilet, an unusual sight in a Grand Tour, yet still finished ninth, remaining among the best times of the day.

His contribution was not limited to personal ambitions. At several points in the Giro he mixed breakaway efforts with mountain support for Movistar, sharing moves with riders like Enric Mas or Einer Rubio and helping at key race moments. That versatility has been a major factor in boosting his market value.

The context is telling, since just a few weeks ago his renewal with Movistar seemed on track. However, the impact of his Giro has completely changed the landscape, opening the door for teams like Soudal - Quick-Step to accelerate and try to secure his signature.

If his move to the Belgian squad is confirmed, Movistar would lose a rider on the rise, capable of delivering in breakaways and team roles, with development potential still to unlock. It would be a significant departure for a structure that had identified him as a medium-term project.

Lorenzo Milesi first made a name for himself in 2023, when he stunned pre-race favourite Alec Segaert to win the under-23 time trial world championships in Glasgow 2023. Later that season, Milesi took the first leader's jersey at Vuelta a Espana after his team won the controversial team time trial in Barcelona. Followed a move to Movistar where Milesi came close to his first professional victory at times, but is still waiting to raise his hands.