AC Milan has officially announced the signing of Youssouf Fofana from AS Monaco, marking a significant addition to their squad as they prepare for the upcoming season. The 25-year-old midfielder joins the Rossoneri on a four-year contract, which will keep him at the club until June 2028. The transfer fee is reported to be around €25 million, including performance-related bonuses.
Fofana’s arrival at Milan comes after a summer filled with speculation and interest from several top clubs, including Manchester United and West Ham United. Despite the attention from these Premier League teams, Fofana expressed a strong desire to join Milan, a club with a rich history and a promising project for the future.
In his first press conference as a Milan player, Fofana shared his excitement about the move, stating, “When the club calls you and ‘sweet-talks’ you, it’s obvious that you want to go to a place where they want you a lot. Milan is very well-known even in France; they presented their project for the future to me, and it aligned with my ideas.”
Fofana, who developed his skills at Strasbourg before moving to Monaco, has made nearly 175 appearances in Ligue 1, scoring seven goals and providing 15 assists. He has also represented France at the international level, participating in the 2022 World Cup and set to take part in the upcoming Euro 2024.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who plays a significant role in Milan’s management as a senior advisor, welcomed Fofana to the club, emphasizing the midfielder’s ability to bring balance to the team. Ibrahimovic noted, “With Fofana, we were looking for a midfielder who brings balance to the team. He is a complete player and can break the lines.”
Fofana will wear the number 29 jersey at Milan and is expected to play a crucial role in the team’s midfield as they aim for success in both Serie A and European competitions. His versatility and modern playing style make him a valuable asset for coach Paulo Fonseca, who is keen to integrate him into the squad quickly.