AC Milan Plot Midfield Shake-Up: Selling Fofana to Fund Hojbjerg Move as Amorim Demands

FolioPitch.com – 30 July 2026 | In a strategic move to reshape the squad under new manager Ruben Amorim, AC Milan are exploring a significant midfield overhaul. According to reports, the CM Milan plan to sell Fofana and use money to sign Marseille star Amorim has asked for is gaining traction behind the scenes at San Siro. The club aims to offload French midfielder Youssouf Fofana in order to finance a bid for Marseille’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, a player specifically requested by the Portuguese coach.

Amorim’s arrival has signaled a clear departure from the pragmatic approach of his predecessor, Massimiliano Allegri. The new system emphasizes possession-based dominance and high pressing, requiring players with intensity, tactical intelligence, and leadership. Hojbjerg, who has registered six goals and nine assists in 62 appearances for Marseille across two seasons, is seen as an ideal fit for this philosophy. The Danish international has established himself as one of Ligue 1‘s premier midfielders, combining physicality with exceptional reading of the game. His age—29—is a minor concern given his outstanding physical and mental condition, and his leadership qualities are exactly what Amorim and club owner Gerry Cardinale are looking to inject into a young squad.

The CM Milan plan to sell Fofana and use money to sign Marseille star Amorim has asked for is contingent on finding a buyer for the 25-year-old Frenchman. Crystal Palace have emerged as the most interested party, with Milan setting a valuation of €15-20 million for Fofana. This sum would be sufficient to meet Marseille’s asking price for Hojbjerg, which is believed to be in the region of €10-15 million. The modest fee reflects Hojbjerg’s contract situation and his desire for a new challenge, with the allure of Serie A reportedly tempting the midfielder.

Fofana joined Milan from Monaco in 2023 and has shown flashes of his ability, but he has not fully convinced the coaching staff. The club sees this potential sale as a way to recoup funds while upgrading the midfield with a more experienced and proven operator. The relationship between Hojbjerg and Marseille remains strong, but a call from Milan could sway him, as he is eager to test himself in Italy.

This development underscores the aggressive transfer strategy that Amorim and the Milan hierarchy are pursuing. The Portuguese coach has made it clear that he wants players who can immediately implement his high-tempo, pressing style. Hojbjerg fits that mold perfectly, having thrived in a similar system under former Marseille manager Igor Tudor. The CM Milan plan to sell Fofana and use money to sign Marseille star Amorim has asked for is not just a rumor—it reflects a calculated move to align the squad with the coach’s vision.

Milan’s midfield has been a concern, with inconsistent performances from players like Ismaël Bennacer and Tijjani Reijnders. Adding a leader like Hojbjerg could provide stability and a higher ceiling for the team. The Danish international’s experience from his time at Tottenham Hotspur and Marseille, including European competitions, would be invaluable for a Milan side aiming to challenge for the Serie A title and make a deep Champions League run.

As the transfer window approaches its final week, all eyes will be on Milan’s negotiation team. The CM Milan plan to sell Fofana and use money to sign Marseille star Amorim has asked for represents a pivotal moment for the club’s rebuild. If successful, it could set the tone for a new era under Amorim, one built on intensity, personality, and a clear tactical identity.

In conclusion, AC Milan are poised to make a decisive move in the midfield market, driven by Ruben Amorim’s specific demands. The potential transfer of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg from Marseille, funded by the sale of Youssouf Fofana, would not only strengthen the squad but also signal a shift in the club’s transfer philosophy. Whether the deal materializes remains to be seen, but the intent is clear: Milan are betting on experience and leadership to complement their youthful core.