AC Milan may have missed their chance to sign promising young midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who was once recommended to the club by former manager Paulo Fonseca. Bouaddi, now 18, played in Morocco's World Cup opener against Brazil, catching the attention of top clubs. His impressive performance will likely drive up his price tag, making it even harder for Milan to secure his signature.

The Rossoneri had expressed interest in signing Bouaddi in the past, but the deal never materialized. Fonseca had initially suggested the move in 2024, but it was put on hold after his departure. The club revisited the possibility in the 2025 summer window and the 2026 winter window, but nothing came to fruition. Milan may now regret not acting sooner, as Bouaddi's value continues to rise.

According to reports, Lille are expecting to fetch a hefty €60-70m for Bouaddi if they receive any serious offers this summer. This price range is far beyond Milan's budget, effectively ending their hopes of acquiring the talented youngster. Bouaddi's stock continues to rise, and it seems likely that he'll be playing for a top-tier club soon.

Milan will have to look elsewhere for reinforcements, as they've missed their chance to add Bouaddi to their squad. The club will need to identify other targets to strengthen their midfield, but it's clear that Bouaddi is no longer a feasible option.