AC Milan sign French defender Sankhoun Diawara on deal until 2031
Synopsis
AC Milan have moved swiftly to tie down one of French football's most promising young defenders. Sankhoun Diawara, just 20, arrives from Ligue 2 champions Troyes on a deal through 2031 — the third summer signing under Rúben Amorim and a clear signal that Milan are building their defensive future around youth and ball-playing ability.
Key Takeaways
AC Milan have signed French centre-back Sankhoun Diawara from Troyes on a contract until 30 June 2031 , with an option for a further year.
Diawara, born 13 January 2006 in Paris, is 20 years old and will wear the No.
13 jersey at San Siro.
He made 17 appearances last season as Troyes won the Ligue 2 title and earned promotion to Ligue 1.
He is Milan's third summer signing , following Gonçalo Ramos (€74 million from PSG) and Mario Gila from Lazio.
The deal forms part of head coach Rúben Amorim's long-term squad-building project ahead of the 2026-27 season.
AC Milan have completed the signing of highly-rated French centre-back Sankhoun Diawara from Ligue 2 champions Troyes, with the 20-year-old committing to a long-term contract at San Siro through 30 June 2031, plus an option for a further season. The Rossoneri confirmed the deal on Wednesday, 29 July, adding a third summer recruit to new head coach Rúben Amorim's squad ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
Milan's Summer Recruitment Drive
Diawara becomes the club's third arrival of the transfer window, following a reported club-record outlay of around €74 million to land Portuguese forward Gonçalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain, and the acquisition of Spanish centre-back Mario Gila from Lazio. The trio of signings reflects Milan's stated intent to rebuild their defensive structure while investing in youth under Amorim's project.
Diawara's Journey to Serie A
Born in Paris on 13 January 2006, Diawara began his footballing education at FC Solitaires Paris and CA Paris-Charenton before joining Troyes' academy in 2020. He broke into senior football with a Coupe de France appearance in November 2024 and went on to make 17 appearances across Ligue 2 and domestic cup competitions last season. His assured performances played a part in Troyes clinching the Ligue 2 title and securing promotion back to Ligue 1.
What Makes Diawara Stand Out
The left-footed defender has drawn attention for his composure in possession, physical presence, and sharp reading of the game — qualities associated with the modern ball-playing centre-back. His ability to contribute in the build-up phase while remaining defensively disciplined convinced Milan's recruitment team to move decisively for his signature. He is widely regarded as one of the brightest young defensive prospects to emerge from French football in recent seasons.
Role at Milan and What Comes Next
Diawara will wear the No. 13 jersey at Milan and is expected to compete for first-team minutes while continuing his development within an experienced defensive unit. At just 20 years old, he arrives with significant room to grow — and with a contract running to 2031, Milan have secured a long runway to develop him into a cornerstone of their backline. How quickly Amorim integrates him into the starting eleven will be one of the more closely watched subplots of Milan's pre-season.
Point of View
Then lock him in on a long contract. The risk is exposure: a 20-year-old with 17 senior appearances stepping into a Serie A side with European ambitions is a developmental bet, not a proven fix. With Gonçalo Ramos commanding a reported €74 million and Gila also through the door, Amorim's backline is being rebuilt at pace. Whether Diawara earns minutes or spends a season acclimatising will tell us a great deal about how much patience this project actually has.
NationPress
29 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sankhoun Diawara?
Sankhoun Diawara is a 20-year-old French centre-back born in Paris on 13 January 2006. He came through the academies of FC Solitaires Paris and CA Paris-Charenton before joining Troyes, where he made his senior debut in the Coupe de France in November 2024.
How long is Diawara's contract at AC Milan?
Diawara has signed a contract at AC Milan running through 30 June 2031, with an option to extend for a further season. He will wear the No. 13 jersey at San Siro.
What did Diawara achieve at Troyes last season?
Diawara made 17 appearances across Ligue 2 and domestic cup competitions as Troyes won the Ligue 2 title and earned promotion back to Ligue 1. His composed displays marked him out as one of the brightest young defensive talents in France.
Who else has AC Milan signed this summer?
Diawara is Milan's third summer signing. The club previously brought in Portuguese forward Gonçalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain for a reported €74 million and Spanish defender Mario Gila from Lazio.
Who is AC Milan's new head coach?
AC Milan's new head coach is Rúben Amorim, who is building his squad ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. The signings of Ramos, Gila, and Diawara reflect his focus on youth and long-term squad development.
