AC Milan have officially announced the signing of defender Fode Ballo-Toure from Monaco, and have confirmed his contract details and jersey number.
The Rossoneri have been busy this summer, with a string of new signings arriving as well as trying to secure long-term deals for current members of the squad.
READ MORE: Who is Fode Ballo-Toure? Analysis of touted AC Milan transfer target
While Olivier Giroud sealed his move earlier this weekend, the club’s official site has now confirmed that Ballo-Toure is the next to join as he has put pen to paper on a deal that runs until 2025 after securing a switch from Monaco.
Official Statement: Fodé Ballo-Touré ➡ https://t.co/tWklchNrgp
Comunicato Ufficiale: Fodé Ballo-Touré ➡ https://t.co/nl44NsXAmu#NewPlayerUnlocked #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/HGppjZq5MY
— AC Milan (@acmilan) July 18, 2021
Further, it’s added that he will wear the No.5 jersey as the left-back now looks to put pressure on Theo Hernandez moving forward with Milan adding much-needed competition and depth in that position.
Ballo-Toure, 24, is capped at U21 level by France but has made four appearances for Senegal at senior level while accumulating over 100 appearances in Ligue 1 since his debut.
Having had spells at PSG, Lille and Monaco, he has undoubtedly operated at a high level in France, but he’ll look to now take his game to the next level as he will no doubt get playing time across the season with Milan looking to be competitive on multiple fronts.
Hernandez will undoubtedly remain first choice at left-back for Stefano Pioli when fit and in form, but it’s a smart move from Milan to finally add a player in that role who can keep Theo on his toes and always looking to keep his place in the side.
With pre-season games coming thick and fast in the coming weeks, the Rossoneri faithful will likely get a first look at Ballo-Toure in action fairly soon, with the new Serie A campaign still just over a month away from starting.