In the summer, AC Milan spent much of their time pursuing Youssouf Fofana. So far, the midfielder has been growing – given he joined the club not fully 100% – but he does not have a deputy, so the Rossoneri must act.
It seemed like Milan were willing to settle for a move for Fofana next year at points of the mercato, but it was deemed that his arrival was necessary, so the Diavolo took the plunge and signed the French midfielder.
Perhaps, a questionable decision given the Rossoneri paid nearly double what they had initially tried to for a player with less than a year on his contract. However, he is beginning to show his value to the club already.
Against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday night, he was superb. Not only was he good in the defensive phase of the game, but he also looked to drive Milan forward on a few occasions, and he had a few decent chances to show what he could do.
There is a downside to his signing, though. The Rossoneri do not have an alternative – which has already been scrutinised.
Saying a player is ‘too good’ is never a bad thing, but Fofana’s role is one that is difficult to play well, but with no deputy, his minutes will stack quickly – a dangerous game to play with a player who has only just returned to 100%.
As a result, Tuttosport (via Milan News) states that Fofana is alone in his role due to Ismael Bennacer’s injury, and a January incoming is quite likely with the Frenchman ‘working overtime’. However, the Diavolo would have to part with a non-EU player to get their favoured target Johnny Cardoso – who was an interest for the majority of the summer.