Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan are rumoured to be plotting a summer move for Brighton midfielder Yasin Ayari.
Ayari has been a key part of Fabian Hürzeler’s squad, making 24 Premier League appearances this season, registering one assist, as Brighton push for European qualification. He has also played a role in their FA Cup campaign, where they will face Nottingham Forest in the quarter-finals.
Brighton could be open to cashing in, given their recent successful transfer turnover, having sold Moisés Caicedo to Chelsea for £115 million and Alexis Mac Allister to Liverpool for £40 million.
A bid from Milan or Dortmund would therefore be welcomed by both Ayari, who will surely be keen to play for a European giant, and Brighton who still have depth in Matts Wieffer, Matt O’Reilly and Carlos Baleba – who has been attracting transfer attention himself.
Ayari’s Journey So Far
The 21-year-old joined the Seagulls from Swedish club AIK in 2023 for €4 million, however, with limited opportunities in Roberto De Zerbi’s squad, he was sent out on loan to gain experience in English football. He spent time last season on loan in the Championship with Coventry City and Blackburn Rovers.
In his 23 appearances for the Sky Blues and the Rovers, he managed one goal and one assist but showed promise as a progressive midfielder.
Ayari has also earned eight senior caps for the Swedish national team, playing in every game of his country’s UEFA Nations League C group as Sweden topped a group with Slovakia, Azerbaijan and Estonia. The midfielder scored his first international goal during Sweden’s 2-2 draw with Slovakia in October 2024.
Why AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund Want Ayari
Both AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund are known for developing young talent, making them ideal destinations for Ayari.
Dortmund famously signed and developed Jude Bellingham into a global star following his move from Birmingham City. Although, BVB are also rumoured to be interested in the younger Bellingham brother, Jobe, who has impressed for Sunderland this season with seven goal contributions in 32 games.
The Bundesliga side are struggling so far this season and sit 10th in the league, meaning they may miss out on European football next season. Brighton, on the other hand, currently sit sixth in the Premier League, just one point off potential Champions League football. Ayari, therefore may want to stay on the English South coast.
AC Milan are facing similar challenges. They are also at risk of missing out on European football with the club sat in ninth, six points off UEFA Conference League Qualifiers spots. The Rossoneri also suffered a tough defeat to Feyenoord in the first round of Champions League knockouts and have looked far from the title winning side of 2022.