Sankhoun Diawara: AC Milan move nears for Troyes defender as Senegal consider future Lion

AC Milan are close to completing the signing of 20-year-old Troyes centre-back Sankhoun Diawara in a deal that could also have significant implications for the Senegal national team.

The French-born defender, who has yet to play in Ligue 1, is on the verge of an “express” rise to one of Europe’s most storied clubs, with Milan and ESTAC having reached an agreement over his transfer, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. The fee is reported to be between €2m and €3m.

Diawara is also understood to have agreed personal terms with the Rossoneri, with only minor details still to be finalised before the move can be officially confirmed.

From U23 plan to first-team promotion

Initially, Diawara had been earmarked for Milan Futuro, the club’s new Under-23 side created to bridge the gap between the Primavera ranks and the senior squad.

However, La Gazzetta dello Sport now reports that Milan intend to place him directly with the first-team group rather than starting him in the U23 set-up.

The Serie A club are said to view Diawara as a player to be developed as understudy to Serbia international Strahinja Pavlovic, underlining the level of faith being placed in his long-term potential despite his limited experience at the top level.

Rapid rise from Troyes academy

Born on 13 January 2006 in Paris, Diawara came through the academy at Troyes and plays primarily as a central defender.

His impending transfer to a club of Milan’s stature represents a major vote of confidence in his talent, given that his exposure to senior football remains relatively modest.

For Troyes, the move also marks a significant financial return on a homegrown player. The club has succeeded in securing a sizeable fee for a defender who did not make a Ligue 1 appearance for them.

International future still open

On the international stage, Diawara represented France at Under-19 level in 2024, but he has yet to feature for the senior side.

As a result, he remains eligible to play for Senegal, with his future at international level still undecided.

There has been no public statement from Diawara indicating a firm choice between the two nations, and no confirmation that he intends to join the Lions of Teranga. For now, Senegal’s hopes are based more on symbolism than commitment.

During Troyes’ promotion to Ligue 1, Diawara celebrated on the pitch holding a Senegal flag – a gesture widely interpreted as an expression of his roots, but not, at this stage, a definitive sporting decision.

Senegal set to monitor Milan breakthrough

Should Diawara manage to establish himself in Milan’s first-team squad, or even move closer to regular involvement at San Siro, it is likely to sharpen interest from the Senegalese Football Federation.

With Senegal already planning for the future in central defence, the progress of Sankhoun Diawara at Milan is expected to become a situation monitored very closely in the months ahead.