AC Milan signed a 14-year-old Hachim Mastour from Reggina for a reported fee of €500,000 (£408,000) in 2012, and after seeing his skills on YouTube, many tipped the young Moroccan for stardom.
Helped by the seal of approval from legendary Milan and Italy manager Arrigo Sacchi, the seven-time European champions beat the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester City to his signature, but like many other 'wonderkids' of the past, his career hasn't had the upwards spiral many predicted.
Credit: Red Bull
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The hype surrounding him all began when a YouTube compilation of the youngster emerged online. AC Milan looked to have a real gem on their books in and there was optimism that he would make the grade at the San Siro after being named in Clarence Seedorf's squad for a Serie A game against Sassuolo in 2013/14.
Unsuccessful loan spells with La Liga side Malaga and PEC Zwolle in Holland, where he played just six first-team games in total for both clubs, really derailed his progress and he left the club without even playing a game - his only notable action being that Gennaro Gattuso threatened to break his teeth if he didn't buckle down.
The 20-year old got some minutes under his belt for the Primavera but after being released at the start of the summer, he now looks poised to sign for Lamia FC in Greece, according to Sport24. Mastour is said to be in "advanced negotiations" with the club, who are in their second season in the top tier.
He's still got time on his side but Mastour desperately needs regular football or else he's in serious danger of becoming the new Freddy Adu.
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