Senegal defender Fodé Ballo-Touré trains with FC Metz in bid for contract

Senegal international Fodé Ballo-Touré is training with FC Metz as he looks to secure a contract with the Ligue 1 club following his departure from AC Milan.

The 28-year-old left-back, who is currently without a club, has been given the opportunity to work with Metz’s first team in an effort to prove his fitness and earn a deal.

Ballo-Touré is training at the club’s Frescaty base in Lorraine, where he joined the squad for a session on Wednesday.

The defender is attempting to reignite his career after an unsuccessful search for a new club earlier this summer. Ballo-Touré was previously linked with Le Havre AC but failed to secure a move.

Metz now appear to be offering him a second chance to remain in Ligue 1, though the decision will depend on whether he can impress head coach Stéphane Le Mignan and his technical staff during this evaluation period.

Ballo-Touré’s experience in top European leagues makes him a potentially valuable addition to Metz’s squad. Having come through Paris Saint-Germain’s academy, he made his name with AS Monaco before moving to AC Milan in 2021.

While he was part of the Milan squad that lifted the Serie A title in 2022, he struggled to cement a regular starting role and was eventually loaned to Fulham for the 2023–24 season. Following his return to Italy, Ballo-Touré parted ways with the Rossoneri, leaving him available on a free transfer.

Metz’s interest comes as they aim to strengthen their squad after a challenging start to the campaign. The club, which narrowly avoided relegation in recent years, is seeking reinforcements to ensure stability in France’s top division.

Ballo-Touré’s ability to provide defensive cover and his attacking contributions from left-back could make him an appealing signing, especially given his availability without a transfer fee.

Training alongside fellow Senegal international Habib Diallo, who recently joined Metz, Ballo-Touré’s presence adds a layer of familiarity and camaraderie within the squad.

Diallo’s arrival has already boosted morale, and the potential addition of another experienced international could bring further depth and leadership to Le Mignan’s side.

Ballo-Touré has been capped multiple times for Senegal, including appearances in the Africa Cup of Nations, and was part of the squad that won the 2021 AFCON title. His international pedigree adds weight to his bid to continue competing at a high level in European football.

For now, Ballo-Touré’s immediate focus is on proving his readiness and physical condition to Metz’s coaching staff. If successful, he could complete a return to French football in the coming days, marking another chapter in a career that has taken him from Paris and Monaco to Milan and London.

Metz are expected to make a decision on whether to offer the defender a contract once the assessment period concludes, with the player determined to earn a place in the squad and relaunch his career in Ligue 1.

????⚽ Le @FCMetz s’est entraîné en matinée, ce mercredi, avec son revenant Habib Diallo. Le latéral gauche sénégalais Fodé Ballo-Touré a lui aussi participé à cette séance. Libre de tout contrat, il pourrait s’engager avec les Grenats #FCMetz #Ligue1 ????https://t.co/JVjOvlqa3A

— RL Sports (@sports_rl) September 3, 2025