Milan will, in all likelihood, have a new deputy left-back to fill in for Theo Hernandez when needed. According to Calciomercato, the Rossoneri have shortlisted Basel youngster Riccardo Calafiori as Fode Ballo-Toure’s heir.
Ballo-Toure has fallen out of favor with head coach Stefano Pioli. The former Monaco defender has massively underperformed since joining Milan in 2021. Brought in to play second fiddle to Hernandez, the Senegal international couldn’t convince the Rossoneri.
He’s now on the transfer list, with Milan actively working to find a new landing spot for him. The Italians are ready to sell Ballo-Toure for as low as €4 million. Despite a lack of suitors, they are confident of removing him from their payroll on short notice.
Calafiori seems to be the man to take his place. Milan have yet to open talks with Basel. But as soon as they find a buyer for Ballo-Toure, a dialogue with the Swiss side could get underway. The 21-year-old has a contract until 2025.
Basel signed the Italian defender from Roma in 2022. He enjoyed an impressive first season at St. Jakob-Park, making 34 appearances in all competitions. Given Calafiori’s immediate impact, the Swiss powerhouse could play a hard bargain over his departure. But the Serie A giants won’t give up.
Milan could help boost Roma’s finances in the process. The Giallorossi have installed a 40% future resale clause in Calafiori’s move to Basel. And that may inflate the price.
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