Liverpool enter £60m transfer race for Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi
Liverpool have entered the race to sign teenage Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi in a potential £60m deal, though Arsenal and Paris St-Germain currently lead the pursuit.
The 18-year-old recently announced himself on the global stage during the 2026 World Cup.
He delivered a standout performance against Brazil in Morocco’s opening group stage draw.
A superstar in the making.
That was the verdict of pundit Joe Thomlinson following the prospect’s commanding display against the South Americans.
Record-breaking fee required
Lille are expected to demand a fee in excess of £60m for their prized academy graduate.
Meeting that valuation would make the Moroccan the most expensive teenager in world football.
The figure would eclipse the £53m Chelsea paid Southampton for Romeo Lavia in the summer of 2023.
Despite his youth, the highly-rated talent has already amassed nearly 100 first-team appearances for the French side.
Anfield rebuild under Iraola
Liverpool are embarking on a major transitional phase following the appointment of manager Andoni Iraola.
The Spanish coach is tasked with overhauling a squad reeling from several high-profile departures.
Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, Ibrahima Konate and former boss Arne Slot have all left the club.
The Merseysiders finished 25 points behind Premier League champions Arsenal last season and require significant reinforcements.
Midfield overhaul on the horizon
Securing central midfield options is a priority for the club amidst mounting speculation over current players.
Curtis Jones is attracting strong interest from Serie A, while World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister could also depart.
Manchester City and Manchester United are similarly monitoring Bouaddi to bolster their respective engine rooms.
Alongside their midfield pursuits, the Reds remain confident of striking a deal for 19-year-old RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande.
