AC Milan's Maignan and Fofana clear social media, fueling transfer speculation

Hupu, July 27 — According to Italian media Milan Sport and Milan correspondent Luca Bianchin, AC Milan players Mike Maignan and Youssouf Fofana have cleared their social media accounts. Maignan has also removed his "Milan player" tag from his Instagram bio.

Milan Sport reports that both players have deleted all posts from their respective Instagram accounts. Maignan's removal of the Milan player tag has caused confusion among fans. Fofana, who participated in Milan's 2-2 preseason draw against Celtic, has also wiped his account. The reasons behind both players' actions remain unclear.

Fofana's Situation

Fofana's move mirrors what his teammate Maignan did earlier. However, sources indicate this is not a permanent farewell to social media but rather a temporary break to allow time for focus and reflection.

Regarding his future, Fofana has made it clear that he wants stable playing time on the pitch, and his first choice remains to stay at AC Milan. Nevertheless, this has sparked transfer market speculation.

Tactical Concerns

Looking back at last season, Fofana was reportedly disappointed with Allegri's tactical arrangements. He once publicly stated:

"I changed my position for the team, but it wasn't my natural role, and it cost me a spot in the World Cup."

Fofana believes he is better suited as a defensive midfielder — one of the two midfielders in front of the defense — rather than being pushed into a more advanced central midfield role. He is more comfortable operating in deeper positions, excelling at tackles and interceptions rather than shooting and offensive organization. In contrast, Amorim's tactical system, with its pace, intensity, and role requirements, might better match his technical characteristics.

Midfield Competition

The key question is how Amorim will make his choices when Modric, Rabiot, and Jashari are all available. In Amorim's 3-4-2-1 formation, there are two midfielders in the center:

• One responsible for defensive interceptions
• The other with more freedom to push forward

Regardless of the role, both players need to handle significant running and physical duels — which is not a problem for Fofana. What he truly cares about is playing time.

Over the next nine months, Fofana hopes to become an important figure in the team, get enough opportunities on the pitch, and continue playing for Milan. Amorim's starting lineup choices will directly impact his future.

In the first warm-up match, Amorim started Ricci and Comotto, with Fofana only coming on in the second half. This has raised questions about his status in the coach's eyes. The answer may come soon: in the warm-up matches in Australia and Indonesia, Fofana is expected to get more playing time. Meanwhile, Jashari and Modric are about to return, and in Italy, Rabiot will join training sessions by mid-August.

Potential Transfer

The next two weeks will determine the midfield hierarchy. If Fofana feels he is at a disadvantage in the competition, where could he go?

• Besiktas has shown interest, but the club has not had substantive contact with his agent
• Ligue 1 and the Premier League are more likely destinations, though no in-depth negotiations have taken place yet
• The Premier League is particularly noteworthy, as several clubs have the financial power to make formal offers

Milan's asking price for Fofana is reportedly between €15 million and €20 million — considered reasonable for a player with two years left on his contract and a history as a French international.

Source: Milan Sport

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