Senegal’s El Hadji Malick Cisse joins AC Milan’s plans for the future

Senegal international defender El Hadji Malick Cisse has joined AC Milan after being linked with FC Barcelona, with the 18-year-old now developing within the club’s Milan Futuro project.

Cisse moved to Italy at the beginning of 2026, as reported by Africafoot, after previously completing a training camp with FC Barcelona. The versatile centre-back had also attracted interest from Burnley and Ipswich Town before choosing AC Milan as the next stage of his career.

Milan Futuro is designed to prepare emerging players for a gradual move into the first-team setup, which competes in Serie A. Cisse has already made six appearances for the club’s reserve side at the start of the season and is regularly training with the Rossoneri’s first-team group.

Mansour Drame, sporting director of Be Sport Academy, described Cisse as a highly promising player and believes he could make his AC Milan debut this season.

Be Sport Academy, which has a partnership with the player’s former development structure, has identified Cisse as one of the leading young talents produced in Senegal. His progress in Italy is now being closely followed as he adapts to AC Milan’s environment and competes for further opportunities with Milan Futuro.

The defender’s move to AC Milan follows a period in which his future appeared to be connected with FC Barcelona. His experience in Spain, combined with interest from clubs in England, placed him on the radar of several European teams before the Italian club secured his services.

AC Milan are understood to regard Cisse as part of their long-term plans. His involvement with the first-team training group has increased during the opening weeks of the season, while his six matches for the reserve side have provided the 18-year-old with competitive experience.

The club’s next European fixture is against Salzburg in the second matchday of the Europa League. Cisse’s immediate focus remains on establishing himself within Milan Futuro, but his continued involvement around the senior squad has strengthened expectations that he could be given a chance by AC Milan during the season.