GdS: Milan close to beating Barcelona and RB Leipzig to Senegalese talent

AC Milan appear to have landed some quick revenge on Barcelona as they are closing in on the signing of El Hadji Malick Cissé.

After being one step away from joining Milan, it emerged on Friday that Barcelona are going to win the race to sign Juwensley Onstein from Genk. They swooped right as the Rossoneri were ready to exchange documents, and so they missed out on a talent.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan are ‘close to signing El Hadji Malick Cissé’, a Senegalese central defender born in 2008 who played in the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar in November.

This is an interesting signing for several reasons. Firstly, Cissé has talent that has attracted interest from Barcelona and RB Leipzig. Secondly, he still plays in Senegal for Be Sport Academy, rather than a European club. Thirdly, he would be one of two non-EU players that Milan can register.

Cissé would inevitably start playing with Milan Futuro in Serie D, but the acquisition should be viewed in the medium to long-term. The idea is for him to gradually adapt to European football, but starts with a big frame at 1.85m tall.

Another fun fact: Cissé was a penalty taker with Senegal, and on his Instagram profile you can find a video of him taking a penalty à la Pogba: with small, very slow steps approaching the ball.

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If this young player has attracted the interest of both Barcelona and Leipzig, then that is a guarantee in itself and we should take him without a second thought. Both Barcelona and Leipzig have among the best scouting departments in the world.