Ipswich Town are reportedly interested in AC Milan defender Fodé Ballo-Touré. The French-born defender was linked to Leeds United last month. French outlet Foot Mercato reported four suitors who were interested in the defender alongside The Whites.
The full-back has been offered to Ipswich Town because of the player’s interest in the Premier League. According to Calcio Mercato, the Senegalese defender has fallen out of favor at San Siro and his agent has offered him to The Tractor Boys.
Another English suitor includes Watford who according to Gianluca Di Marzio, have shown interest in the player’s services. The Hornets just like Leeds are looking for reinforcements down the wings.
Seemingly, there was an agreement between AC Milan and Turkish Süper Lig outfit Beşiktas. The deal fell out following Fodé’s disinterest in moving to Turkey. Ballo-Touré has shut down the offer according to Foot Mercato.
Both Leeds United and Watford are scouring the market for full-backs. Both the clubs are facing a lack of depth in the said positions and can definitely use Fodé for the upcoming season.
Ipswich on the other hand have got the best full-back from the Championship, Leif Davis. The club won’t bother to buy competitions as they’ve already got plenty.
Fodé Ballo-Touré’s prospects at Leeds United
Credits: Imago Images
Born in France, Fodé Ballo-Touré represents Senegal at the international level. Graduate of the Paris Saint-Germain academy, the Senegalese didn’t enjoy a lot of success in their subsequent senior side.
He faced similar problems at Lille and then transferred to Monaco in 2019. At Monaco, he impressed gaining the attention of top European clubs. In the end, he settled for AC Milan but things haven’t been as easy for him with life in Italy.
Fodé spent last season on loan at Fulham where he only made six league appearances for The Cottagers. He did feature against Ipswich Town in a Carabao Cup match which might have given him a sense of the Championship.
With Leeds having only three options for both flanks, Ballo-Touré might prove to be a breath of fresh air for The Whites. His defensive solidity and the ability to identify the best time to make overlapping runs will fit well with Farke.
Daniel Farke sometimes employs wing-backs rather than full-backs. This strategy will be of no problem for the Senegalese defender as he excels in both pace and stamina, the skills required to cover this role.
Fodé has decent ball control and can maintain possession in high-pressure situations. This can help the team build-up from the defensive third and initiate attacks from the back.
