PARIS, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Ligue 1 strugglers Monaco on Thursday announced the signing of left back Fode Ballo-Toure from Lille through a contract running until June 2023.
The 22-year-old Ballo-Toure, who had developed through the Paris Saint-Germain academy, made his professional debut at Lille last season. In nearly 50 games in the top flight, he has demonstrated defensive qualities and a promising offensive impact.
"I was quickly convinced by the Monaco project and the prospect of working with Thierry Henry. I am eager to learn from him, his experience, his knowledge, but also to meet my new teammates to get into the thick of it," said Ballo-Toure.
Ballo-Toure is the latest recruit of Monaco in winter transfer window following their lackluster first half of the season, seeing them at second from bottom on the table. They have already added veteran Brazilian defender Naldo into the squad earlier this month.
"He is a talented young player who, like his team, had a good first half of the season and will continue to improve. His arrival, along with that of Naldo, should allow to intensify the competition and thus strengthen the workforce," the club's Vice President Vadim Vasilyev pointed out.
Monaco will visit Marseille in Sunday's league match.
