MN: Fofana will debut new number against Liverpool following Theo’s exit

Youssouf Fofana will debut his new shirt number in the friendly between AC Milan and Liverpool today, having switched from 29 to 19. 

When Fofana joined Milan in August of last year, he opted for the No.29 shirt as the two numbers he had worn with Monaco and the French national team were taken: 8 (Ruben Loftus-Cheek) and 19 (Theo Hernandez). Now, however, the midfielder has seized an opportunity.

As a result of Hernandez’s move to Al-Hilal earlier this month, Fofana has decided to switch from 29 to 19. This was reported by MilanNews’ Antonello Gioia earlier today, with the midfielder to debut the new number in the friendly against Liverpool today.

Indeed, the Frenchman has been named in Max Allegri’s starting eleven, playing alongside Samuele Ricci and the aforementioned Loftus-Cheek in midfield. It will be very interesting to see him in the manager’s system, especially since it felt like his qualities weren’t fully exploited last season.

In addition to Fofana, Maignan is also back in the squad and this is a big boost for Allegri, even if it won’t be an easy game. Liverpool have fielded a rather strong XI and perhaps even more so than the Arsenal clash, this will be a proper test for the Rossoneri.