Milan Strike Deal For Senegal Youth Star Who Barcelona Had On Trial
Cisse did well at the recent Under-17 World Cup.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Updated on 27 January 2026
El Hadji Malick Cisse, the captain of Senegal Under-17s, is reportedly moving to AC Milan in the coming days.
Cisse, born in 2008, has been watched by several European clubs after rapid progress in Senegal and on the international stage.
The plan, according to multiple reports, is for the 18-year-old to start with Milan Futuro (Under-23s) rather than the first team right away.
El Hadji Malick Cisse: How much AC Milan are paying for Senegal youth captain
El Hadji Malick Cisse and his camp have closed a deal with AC Milan, according Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Rossoneri will reportedly be paying around €750,000 to sign him from Be Sport Academy in Senegal’s capital Dakar.
Milan see Cisse as a long-term project, and the likelihood is that he will not be thrown straight into senior Serie A football.
Cisse was a key figure for Senegal at last November’s Under-17 World Cup.
He captained the side and started in all four of his side’s games, scoring against the UAE in the group stage.
In the past, Cisse had undergone trials with English clubs Burnley and Ipswich Town. More recently, RB Leipzig and Barcelona were eyeing him.
At the end of 2024, Cisse visited Barca’s facilities. He spent two weeks in Catalonia with tests and training sessions, as documented on social media.
El Hadji Malick Cisse: Why Milan want him in their system
El Hadji Malick Cisse is viewed as a modern centre-back in the making, with the size and strength to defend his box and the composure to build play.
Cisse is a right-footed defender with a very modern profile. He is strongly built at 190cm tall, with a lean but well-balanced frame, weighing under 80kg.
He is quick over long distances, sharp over short ones, and carries real power when he drives forward.
What stands out most is how he dominates tight duels, using excellent balance, a low centre of gravity and a constant willingness to engage physically.
On the ball, Cisse looks comfortable and confident. He can play both short and long, often searching for vertical passes, switches of play and through-balls.
Tackling and heading are among his main strengths. He also likes to step out from the back line to press high and cut out danger early by intercepting passes.
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Cisse’s main role is at centre-back, but he has also played as a defensive midfielder in Senegal.
This has enabled him to capitalise on his ability to receive with his back to goal and turn under pressure.
He is also calm and reliable from the penalty spot, as shown in the video above.
Cisse and Milan: What happens next
El Hadji Malick Cisse will probably be announced as a new Milan Futuro player in the coming days.
Milan Futuro should provide a stepping stone, allowing him to develop in a competitive environment without constant first-team pressure.
That route can also help with language, lifestyle and tactical learning. These are often the hardest parts of moving so young.
For Milan, the challenge will be managing expectations, because a strong youth reputation does not always mean an instant breakthrough.
Cisse will arrive with considerable promise and a clear pathway to prove he can earn a place at San Siro.
Elsewhere in Rossoneri news, Milan and Christian Pulisic will continue contract talks over the spring.
United States legend Brad Friedel does not think Pulisic and the MLS are a good fit at this moment in time.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Giuseppe Labellarte is a sports journalist with over a decade of professional experience in the industry. His main professional expertise is in soccer. Prior to joining FootItalia, he worked for the likes of Sports Mole, TBR Football, the Chelsea Chronicle and numerous other sites, along with having bylines in the likes of the Nottingham Post. He holds degrees in Journalism and International Relations.
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