Ilić has signed a contract with Bologna until 2028. He expressed his excitement about this move in his career, despite the emotional attachment he has to Partizan, the club he joined as a child. He sees this as a great opportunity to learn, improve, and showcase his abilities in Serie A, a league he has been following. Ilić thanked everyone at Partizan – the management and coach Igor Duljaj – for enabling this transfer and allowing him to take a step forward.