Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, while incoming manager Andoni Iraola has identified Rayo Vallecano right-back Andrei Ratiu as a potential reinforcement, according to reports from Anfield Index and Lewis Steele of the Daily Mail.
The news comes following a period of change at Anfield, with Liverpool recently appointing Iraola as their new head coach after the departure of Arne Slot. Several players have also moved on, including Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konate, with Victor Munoz arriving from Osasuna for a reported €40 million.
Bouaddi, currently competing in the World Cup with Morocco, has emerged as a target for several top European clubs. Steele stated that Liverpool ‘definitely like’ the 18-year-old, who has impressed in Ligue 1, but acknowledged significant competition from Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, and Real Madrid. Steele added that Liverpool are ‘lurking in the back of the car’ for Bouaddi, suggesting they are not currently prioritizing the move given other transfer needs.
Iraola, who previously managed Rayo Vallecano, is keen to reunite with Ratiu at Liverpool. Anfield Index claim the club are prepared to either meet the Romanian’s €25 million release clause or submit a bid of €20 million. The former Bournemouth manager views Ratiu as a ‘perfect fit’ for his system, though Barcelona are also reportedly interested. Liverpool have struggled with injuries at right-back, with Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley both facing spells on the sidelines last season, leading to midfielders being deployed in the position.
Liverpool are also monitoring other attacking options, including RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande and PSG’s Bradley Barcola. However, Arsenal are reportedly preparing an €80 million bid for Barcola, potentially jeopardizing Liverpool’s chances of securing his signature. According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal’s interest in Barcola is ‘strong’, while Liverpool are only ‘monitoring his situation’. PSG are believed to be seeking a fee of €100 million for the French winger.
The potential acquisition of Ratiu would address a clear need in Liverpool’s squad, while Bouaddi and Barcola represent ambitious targets as Iraola looks to reshape the team in his image. Securing these players will be crucial as Liverpool aim to challenge for silverware next season.
