AC Milan Leapfrogs Barcelona in the Race for a Young African Gem
He trained in Barcelona and earned positive reports… but the final outcome now points to Italy. The market moves fast, and a Senegalese prospect already has a new frontrunner.
Barcelona Make Moves… but Miss Out on a Target
FC Barcelona are approaching the final days of the winter transfer window with several moves planned to strengthen Barça Atlètic. Names such as Hamza Abdelkarim, Ajay Tavares, Juwensley Ornstein, and Patricio Pacífico are on the club’s agenda as part of a strategy focused on young talent with medium-term projection.
However, not every operation is set to reach the finish line. One of the players linked with a possible move to the Catalan club now appears to be heading elsewhere, despite leaving a positive impression during his time at the Ciutat Esportiva.
The Senegalese Prospect Slipping Away from Barça
The player in question is El Hadji Malick Cissé, an 18-year-old Senegalese center-back who, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, is close to becoming a new AC Milan player to reinforce the club’s reserve side.
The defender was on trial with Barcelona in November 2024 as part of the cooperation agreement between the club and Be Sport Academy, a development center based in Dakar.
Reports were positive, but Milan’s stronger and more decisive interest has ultimately tipped the balance in favor of the rossoneri.
The U-17 World Cup as His Breakout Stage
Malick Cissé’s name gained international traction following his impressive performances at the U-17 World Cup, where he captained the Senegal national team. His leadership, defensive solidity, and competitive maturity caught the attention of several European clubs.
Among them was RB Leipzig, a club known for closely monitoring emerging African talent, though it now appears Milan have taken the lead in the race.
Italy, the Next Step in His Career
Barring a late twist, El Hadji Malick Cissé is set to make the leap to European football with AC Milan, a club that has shown a strong commitment in recent years to developing young talent within its structure.
For Barcelona, the move feels like a missed opportunity. For Milan, it could prove to be a strategic investment for the future. In the transfer market, timing is everything… and this time, the rossoneri moved first.
