Fofana keen on Galatasaray move but Milan push for permanent sale
Quick summary
AC Milan midfielder Youssouf Fofana is reportedly eager to join Galatasaray, but Milan are only interested in a permanent transfer, not a loan deal.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceMilan midfielder Youssouf Fofana has reportedly accepted a loan move to Galatasaray, and there could be an option to buy attached.
The Frenchman is not part of their plans for this season and was cut from the squad over the summer by new coach Ruben Amorim.
He is the one most likely to find a new club , rather than fellow outcasts Fikayo Tomori, Santiago Gimenez and Warren Bondo.
Fofana on the market for Milan MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 21: Youssouf Fofana of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) According to transfer pundits Fabrizio Romano and Yagiz Sabuncuoglu , Fofana is eager to make the move to Galatasaray, where he would reunite with Rafael Leao.
There is some dispute over whether this is going to be a pure loan, or with an option to buy attached.
VERONA, ITALY – APRIL 19: Youssouf Fofana of AC Milan is challenged by Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro of Hellas Verona during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and AC Milan at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 19, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) While the player is ready to come to Istanbul, Milan still need to be convinced, as they would much prefer a permanent sale this summer.
Fofana is under contract at San Siro until June 2028 and has also been targeted by the likes of Brighton and Hove Albion, Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and Besiktas.
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What happened
Youssouf Fofana, who joined AC Milan from Monaco in 2024, is said to be open to a move to Turkish Süper Lig champions Galatasaray. However, Milan have made clear they will not sanction a loan departure and are only willing to negotiate a permanent sale. Fofana has struggled for consistent playing time at San Siro this season, which has fueled speculation about his future. Galatasaray are exploring options to strengthen their midfield, but the financial structure of any deal remains a key obstacle.
Chance analysis
Fofana's openness to a Galatasaray move highlights both his frustration with limited minutes at Milan and Galatasaray's continued ambition to recruit established European talent. Milan's insistence on a permanent sale is a negotiating stance designed to recoup value rather than allow a depreciation of the asset, and it also signals that the Frenchman is unlikely to be reintegrated into Massimiliano Allegri's plans. If a deal is struck, it would free up midfield space and wages at Milan while giving Galatasaray a high-profile reinforcement ahead of their Champions League campaign.
A Fofana departure would weaken Milan's midfield depth but generate a transfer fee, while Galatasaray would gain a proven Serie A midfielder if terms are agreed.