AC Milan have successfully secured the signing of 18-year-old Senegalese defender El Hadji Malick Cissé, beating off stiff competition from Barcelona and RB Leipzig for the highly-rated teenager.
The center-back, who captained Senegal at the U-17 World Cup, is expected to land in Italy within the next 48 hours to undergo a medical and finalize a contract rumored to run until 2030.
Milan will pay Be Sport Academy an initial fee of approximately €750,000, utilizing one of their two non-EU registration spots for the season.
Path to San Siro
Cissé’s arrival marks a significant scouting victory for the Rossoneri. The defender had previously undergone a trial at Barcelona’s La Masia in late 2024, leaving a positive impression on the Catalan staff. However, Milan’s decisive move this January—spearheaded by their youth recruitment team—hijacked the deal at the final hour.
Cissé is initially slated to join Milan Futuro, the club’s U23 reserve side currently competing in Serie C, where he will be managed by former Italian international Massimo Oddo.
Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram
Sarr endorsement
Speaking to Africafoot, former Milan and Senegal defender Mohamed Adama Sarr expressed his confidence in the move. Sarr, who was part of the legendary Milan squads of the early 2000s, noted that the club’s modern policy is far more welcoming to young prospects.
“AC Milan in my time and today are different. In our time, it was much harder for a young player to break through because of the world-class legends like Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Costacurta. Now, the policy has changed. There is a real opportunity for a young Senegalese player because the club is focused on growth.”
Senegalese legacy at Milan
Cissé becomes the fifth Senegalese player to wear the iconic red and black stripes, following in the footsteps of:
- Mohamed Adama Sarr
- M’Baye Niang
- Fodé Ballo-Touré
- Ameth Lô
Sarr believes the “George Weah effect” continues to ensure African players are treated with immense respect at the San Siro:
“The fans have a lot of respect for African players. If Malick shows consistency, he can force his own luck.”
Scout Report: Who is Malick Cissé
| Attribute | Description |
| Position | Centre-back / Defensive Midfield |
| Height | 1.85m |
| Key strengths | Aerial dominance, leadership (U17 Captain), composure on the ball |
| Recent success | 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations standout |
The signing is part of a broader January strategy for Milan, who have also been linked with a late move for Lazio’s Mario Gila to bolster their senior defensive ranks.
