AC Milan are on a mission to bolster their midfield options next season, following the departure of Tijjani Reijnders to Manchester City. While veteran Luka Modric is seemingly a dead cert to arrive this summer, Milan are eager to pair him with a blossoming youngster, according to the latest Ayyoub Bouaddi transfer news.
Who is Ayyoub Bouaddi?
Reports suggest that AC Milan could balance the arrival of 39-year-old Luka Modric, with a signing 22 years his junior.
Lille starlet Ayyoub Bouaddi enjoyed a breakout year in his first full season of senior soccer, and his performances both in Ligue 1 and on the continent have pricked the ears of Europe’s elite.
Bouaddi announced himself to the world back in January, where, on his 17th birthday, he marshalled the Lille midfield with diligence and composure against then-incumbent European champions, Real Madrid.
The year before, the France U21 international also became the youngest player to feature for Lille, and in doing so became the youngest ever to start a European fixture.
A traditional deep-lying playmaker, Bouaddi’s languid and lanky build is deceptive once he begins to glide with grace through opposition lines. He is just as comfortable off the ball as well, chipping in with over two tackles a game in Ligue 1, and averaging an interception per-contest in seven Champions League appearances this season.
Lille’s gem Ayyoub Bouaddi 💎✨ pic.twitter.com/mUtM4SOVLa
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) March 27, 2025
Ayyoub Bouaddi Transfer News
According to Sky Sport Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio, new AC Milan manager Max Allegri is eager to add a sprinkle of youthful exuberance to the midfield next season.
With Tijjani Reijnders completing his move to Manchester City this week, and USA international Yunus Musah in talks with Napoli, Milan could well be left with just two recognised central midfielders in Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Warren Bondo.
Luka Modric is widely expected to arrive with medicals scheduled for this week, but at 39, his signing signals little safeguarding for the future.
According to Di Mazio, AC Milan want to make Ayyoub Bouaddi their marquee signing this summer. As one of the most valuable teenagers in world soccer, he is valued at around $28 million. However, with a contract that runs through until the summer of 2027, Lille would likely command a fee of around double that figure.
AC Milan Also Targeting Adrien Rabiot
Gianluca Di Marzio also reports that Milan’s Ligue 1 midfield raid doesn’t stop there, with the Rossoneri interested in reuniting Max Allegri with Marseille’s Adrien Rabiot.
Since arriving back in his native France last September, the 30-year-old has been one of Ligue 1’s most effective midfielders, clocking in with an impressive 10 goals and six assists in 31 appearances.
He recently cooled rumours linking him with an exit after just one season, expressing his admiration for current manager Roberto De Zerbi who he says has found him his “best position”.
However, the Frenchman also recently admitted he “will always be available to talk” Max Allegri, should he come calling.
According to cash out betting sites, Milan are behind Juventus, Napoli and Inter in expert estimations for the Scudetto next season.
