Serie A giants AC Milan and Juventus are set to engage in a transfer battle for the signature of Lille's 17-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.
WHAT HAPPENED?
According to Calciomercato, AC Milan and Juventus are set to engage in a potentially fierce transfer battle for one of the most coveted young prospects in world football at the moment, 17-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi, who is a product of the famed Lille academy.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Bouaddi was handed his debut by current AC Milan coach and former Lille manager Paulo Fonseca in the 2023-24 season, during which he made 18 appearances. The French sensation has built on his debut season by playing a pivotal role in his side's 1-0 upset of reigning Champions League champions Real Madrid last month, and against Juventus in a 1-1 draw earlier this week.
Now, Fonseca wants to reunite with Bouaddi at Milan, while Juve were certainly left impressed after a strong showing in midweek. As per the report, Lille are demanding €18 million for Bouaddi.
DID YOU KNOW?
Bouaddi is the youngest player to ever feature in a European club competition game. The France youth international achieved the feat on October 5, 2023, in a Europa League group stage fixture against Klaksvikar Itrottarfelag at the age of 16 years and three days.
WHAT NEXT FOR AYYOUB BOUADDI?
The Lille sensation will hope to play a crucial role in his team's next outing, which takes place on Sunday, November 10, against fifth-placed Nice.