The slowdown in the talks over Tiemoue Bakayoko, due to the very high demands of Chelsea, could lead to Milan opting to pursue alternatives instead. In recent months, they have been linked with Boubakary Soumaré.
As highlighted by MilanNews.it, the Lille midfielder who would cost about the same as the former Rossoneri man, but he’s also five years younger. Bakayoko’s contract will expire in 2022 and thus buying him for €30m next year is unthinkable.
Investing in a young player, on the other hand, fits the project of Elliott Management a lot better, as demonstrated recently with the purchase of Sandro Tonali. Therefore, Soumare could be the right player for Milan.
The midfielder is very good at winning back the ball, making him an asset in the defensive phase. Furthermore, he has an important physicality and his style can be described as modern, very skilled with the ball at his feet.
He has been playing in Ligue 1 since the 2017/18 season, when he was only 18-years-old, and it’s thus important to underline his experience. We are not talking about a prospect but rather a player that’s ready to compete on the big stage.
Should Milan fail to sign Bakayoko, a player that would offer several guarantees, then an attempt on Soumare can’t be ruled out. As the report continues, a substantial investment would be much more appropriate for the 21-year-old.
The good relations with Lille, after the Rafael Leao negotiations in 2019, could favour the deal. It won’t be a simple operation, especially in terms of the costs, but it would be important.
Having already brought in Tonali, not forgetting about the young Franck Kessie and Ismael Bennacer, Milan would strengthen their midfield for many years to come.
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