Crystal Palace are in the mix for a serious midfield addition after an opportunity at AC Milan to make cuts on their squad emerges.
According to reports, the Eagles have submitted a contract offer to Youssouf Fofana as AC Milan prepare to let him leave this summer.
The 27-year-old has been told he can find a new club before the window shuts. That’s after two seasons at the San Siro following his move from Monaco. He’s made 88 appearances for the Rossoneri since 2024, but it seems his time in Italy is up.
Ruben Amorim is the man behind the shake-up. The new Milan boss has moved the team away from a midfield three towards a double pivot. That’s left a number of options competing for just two spots, with Fofana emerging as the first casualty. The Frenchman believed he could still contribute, but Amorim clearly sees things differently.
The competition is real
Crystal Palace aren’t alone in this one. Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna has reported that Nottingham Forest, Villarreal and Palace have each submitted a contract offer to Fofana’s representatives. Marseille are also in the mix.
Milan are looking to cash in. They’re set to demand between £15.3 and £17 million for the transfer. That’s not a massive fee for a player with Fofana’s pedigree. He’s amassed 25 appearances for the French national team since 2022 and has been a regular in the Champions League with both Monaco and Milan.
Nottingham Forest under Oliver Glasner are also in the mix to sign Fofana. However, Crystal Palace, playing in the Europa League, might be a factor to tilt Fofana in their favour. Meanwhile, Villarreal and Marseille are also potential suitors for the Frenchman.
What would Youssouf Fofana bring?
The timing is interesting for Crystal Palace. New manager Pierre Sage has already brought in Dwight McNeil and Takehiro Tomiyasu. US teenage winger Zavier Gozo is also close to making a transfer, as medicals were done on Monday. The midfield is an area that could do with strengthening.
Youssouf Fofana is primarily known as a box-to-box midfielder, but he can also operate in a holding role. That versatility would be useful. He’s got years of experience in Europe’s top-five leagues under his belt, which is exactly the kind of profile Crystal Palace tend to target.
He has two years left on his contract at the San Siro, so Milan aren’t under immediate pressure to sell. But with Amorim making it clear he’s not in his plans, a deal looks likely.
This would be a statement signing for Crystal Palace and show intent as they look to target a fresh campaign after a not-so-good domestic campaign last season. Fofana is a top-class midfielder at his peak. He’s played at the highest level and would bring real quality to Selhurst Park. The competition is fierce, but Palace have shown they can compete in the market. If they can get this one over the line, it would be a huge coup for Sage’s first summer in charge.
The next few days could be crucial. Fofana has a decision to make, and Palace will be hoping their project is enough to convince him.
