The Senegalese centre-back has emerged as one of the Belgian side’s leading performers this season, stepping into a prominent role while captain Kevin Mac Allister has been sidelined by injury. His development has brought him to Milan’s attention ahead of the January transfer window.
However, Tjorven Messiaen, a journalist with Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad, believes a winter departure is improbable. Speaking to MilanNews.it, he explained that neither the player nor Union would necessarily be looking to force a move midway through the campaign.
“It is possible that he has ended up on Milan’s radar, because he is playing great football, but a January transfer is difficult. Both the player and the club would be more inclined to listen to offers from the Premier League, a league that would suit his characteristics perfectly and represents his dream destination.”
Messiaen also highlighted the difficulty Milan would face in persuading Union to sell one of their most important players during the season.
“I don’t think Union will let him leave in January. The only possible scenario, which I don’t think will happen, is that Union sell him in January but keep him until the end of the season. The club does not sell its best players in January.”
Sylla’s rise has been particularly striking given how recently he arrived in Belgium. The 2005-born defender joined Union from Norway’s second division in January and initially had limited opportunities. He has since established himself as a regular and become one of the most highly regarded defenders in the Belgian league.
Messiaen believes the 20-year-old has the physical and technical qualities to make another significant step in his career.
“Speed, physicality, personality and quality on the ball” are among the attributes he highlighted, while describing Sylla as a complete defender who is strong in duels and has the potential to become one of the best.
The journalist compared his development with that of Willian Pacho, who moved from Belgian football to Eintracht Frankfurt before joining Paris Saint-Germain. It is a pathway that could appeal to Sylla, although the Premier League appears to be his preferred destination.
AC Milan may therefore have to wait until the summer to make a serious attempt. Messiaen indicated that several English clubs are already interested and that the Italian side would need to offer both an ambitious sporting project and a substantial financial package to compete.
For now, Union’s reluctance to sell during the season and Sylla’s reported preference for England make a January move to the San Siro difficult to envisage.