Liverpool remain in contention to sign Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, despite Manchester City reportedly preparing a significant offer for the 18-year-old, according to Liverpool FC journalist David Lynch. The Reds have long admired Bouaddi, but a move hinges on potential player sales to facilitate the transfer.
The interest in Bouaddi comes as new Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola assesses his squad following his appointment. Iraola has discussed plans for both retaining key players like Curtis Jones and offering opportunities to others previously considered outside the first team. He is also understood to be prioritizing strengthening the midfield with a physically imposing player.
Bouaddi has already made 96 senior appearances for Lille and recently impressed for Morocco at the World Cup, attracting attention from several top European clubs including Arsenal, PSG, and Real Madrid. Manchester City are currently considered frontrunners, with reports suggesting they are preparing a “hard push” to secure his signature amid a potential clearout of 11 players at the Etihad Stadium.
However, Lynch reports that Liverpool’s pursuit is not over. The primary obstacle is Lille’s valuation of the player, which has risen to €100 million (£85m, $114m) following Bouaddi’s strong performances. This increase is partially attributed to Manchester City’s recent £116m signing of Elliot Anderson, which has inflated the market for top midfield talent.
Lynch suggests that Liverpool may need to generate funds through player sales before making a substantial bid for Bouaddi. He stated to the Anfield Index podcast that “For midfield movement, you’re going to need to see outgoings – and maybe if we do see an outgoing, they kind of come at Bouaddi a bit stronger.” Despite the financial challenges, Lynch maintains that Liverpool still hold an interest in the player, stating, “He’s definitely a player Liverpool admire and have done before the World Cup.”
The potential acquisition of Bouaddi would provide Iraola with a dynamic midfielder capable of implementing his high-intensity playing style. Securing his signature would represent a significant coup for Liverpool, but requires navigating a complex transfer situation and potentially offloading current squad members.
