AC Milan poised to hijack Barcelona’s top target as Italian giants launch a ruthless late surge to steal the Catalan club’s prime signing.
The 18-year-old Senegalese centre-back, long admired by the Blaugrana for his commanding presence and leadership, has reportedly opted for Serie A over La Liga despite positive trial feedback.
This snub comes amid Barcelona’s push for multiple academy reinforcements, highlighting Milan’s aggressive scouting edge.
The defender is El Hadji Malick Cissé, captain of Senegal’s U-17 World Cup squad, where he shone with aerial dominance, duels won, and even a goal against the UAE.
From Dakar’s Be Sport Academy, Cissé trialled with Barça in November 2024 under their Senegalese partnership, earning rave reviews for physicality and potential.
AC Milan, however, moved decisively—securing a deal for their Milan Futuro reserves, with medicals imminent per Fabrizio Romano and Matteo Moretto.
He’ll adapt to Europe there before eyeing a senior breakthrough.
Barcelona saw Cissé as ideal long-term depth alongside incoming talents like Hamza Abdelkarim and Juwensley Onstein, fitting Hansi Flick’s high-line needs.
RB Leipzig also scouted him, but Milan pipped rivals after the U-17 World Cup notes.
This echoes recent tit-for-tat: Barça nabbed Onstein after Milan’s interest, now reversed. Cissé’s leadership—captaining Senegal in Qatar—promises Serie A impact, joining Milan’s youth influx.
For Barça, it’s a setback in a department craving profiles like his. Deco must pivot quickly to alternatives, as Milan’s swift action underscores their youth ambition under Geoffrey Moncada.
Cissé’s choice prioritizes competitive adaptation over La Masia allure, landing at a club with Champions League pedigree.
AC Milan’s swift execution showcases Serie A’s growing pull on global talent, positioning Cissé for rapid adaptation through Milan Futuro.
For the Blaugrana, it’s back to the drawing board—yet another reminder that in the talent war, hesitation costs dearly.
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