AC Milan have secured the signing of Senegalese defender El Hadji Malick Cissé, the club confirmed on Monday.
The 18-year-old has agreed terms with the Rossoneri following negotiations with Be Sports Academy, his current club, and is expected to travel to Milan this week to complete medical tests and sign his contract.
Cissé, a central defender, will initially join Milan’s U23 squad, allowing him to adapt to Italian football and the club’s training methods.
Known for his composure on the ball and defensive awareness, the young Senegalese talent is considered one of the country’s most promising prospects in his age group.
According to football journalist Fabrizio Romano, the transfer has been finalised after weeks of discussions, marking a key step in AC Milan’s strategy to bolster their youth ranks with international talent.
The move reflects the club’s long-term plan to integrate young players into the first team through the U23 and Primavera pathways.
El Hadji Malick Cissé rose through the ranks at Be Sports Academy, where he gained attention for his performances in national youth competitions and international tournaments.
His physical presence, aerial ability, and tactical understanding have drawn interest from several European clubs, but AC Milan acted decisively to secure his signature.
While he begins his journey in the U23 side, the club’s coaching staff have highlighted Cissé’s potential to progress to the senior team in the coming seasons.
AC Milan’s development programme aims to provide young players with the technical and mental foundation required for top-flight football, and Cissé is expected to benefit from this environment.
The Senegalese defender will join a growing list of African talents in Italy, reflecting Serie A clubs’ increasing focus on scouting and developing young players from the continent.
Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how quickly he can make an impression in Milan’s youth setup.
