In the search of a replacement for Benoît Badiashile (21), AS Monaco have identified Club Bruges centre-back Abakar Sylla (20) as a possible candidate, according to L’Équipe.
Badiashile left the Principality club for just under €40m earlier in the window, joining Premier League side Chelsea. The France international has since made his first start for the club, during last weekend’s win at home against Crystal Palace.
His departure leaves Monaco in the market for a centre-back. The club currently have Chelsea loanee Malang Sarr in their ranks, but he has failed to impress when called upon so far this season. In Badiashile’s absence, Guillermo Maripán has impressed, although he is a right footer, and therefore not necessarily a natural fit if Monaco decide to move to a back three.
Monaco’s search has led them to Sylla, according to L’Équipe. The left-footed Ivorian international currently plays his club football for Club Bruges in Belgium, current Monaco manager Philippe Clement’s former club. Sylla, however, wasn’t in the first team when Clement was at the club.
No figure has yet been touted, but given that Sylla is young, left-footed, has a contract until 2026, and at the age of just 20, has accrued international experience, it is unlikely that he will be available on the cheap.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
