AC Milan have reportedly agreed a deal with Besiktas for the exit of Fode Ballo-Toure, but the player has yet to green light the move.
The 27-year-old arrived from Monaco in 2021, and he has since gone on to make just 26 appearances for the club having primarily been used as back-up behind Theo Hernandez.
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However, he hasn’t entirely convinced or impressed when involved either, and that led to a loan stint with Fulham last season, and subsequently the decision has been made to demote him to Milan Futuro, rather than remain as part of Paulo Fonseca’s senior squad this summer.
In turn, it’s clear from the club’s perspective that they’re ready to move him on and strengthen the squad in that department with a better option, and according to Fabrizio Romano, the Rossoneri and Besiktas have agreed a deal for the Senegalese international to move on.
However, he notes that Ballo-Toure has yet to agree on personal terms with the Turkish side, and he prefers a move back to England, and so there is a risk that that could complicate matters with regards to his future.
Ideally, he would reach an agreement with Besiktas to seal his exit, but if that isn’t possible, it’s hoped that teams from England show interest and make a suitable proposal that Milan are also willing to accept.
It’s a crucial summer for Milan as Fonseca looks to mould the squad into his own, as there are various positions in which we must strengthen, and at least raise the level of competition by bringing in more talent.
That’s certainly the case in the full-back positions, and although the expectation is that Hernandez will have a fundamental role to play for Fonseca, if we are to compete on multiple fronts this season, we must have quality depth to allow the Milan boss to rest and rotate, and it’s clear that Ballo-Toure isn’t at the level required.
Time will tell how the situation plays out, but it certainly seems as though it’s in the best interests of everyone involved for an exit to be agreed sooner rather than later.