YOUTH
Liverpool eye Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi
Liverpool are reportedly eyeing Lille OSC midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi after his World Cup debut. Bouaddi, 18, started for Morocco against Brazil as the chief holding midfielder and recorded four tackles, six recoveries and 91% pass completion.
Liverpool struggled in many areas last season and may need up to seven new signings. With Mohamed Salah’s exit, the wings are a priority, while the club also seeks a defensive midfielder to add bite in the middle. Andoni Iraola hopes to address the midfield’s defensive frailties tactically.
Bouaddi became the youngest player in UEFA club competition history in late 2023. In the 2025/26 season he made 34 Ligue 1 appearances, helping Lille secure a top‑four finish and Champions League qualification. His vision and distribution earned him a place in the France Under‑21 squad.
Liverpool’s recent arrivals include Giovanni Leoni (18), Jeremy Jacquet (20), Florian Wirtz (22), Hugo Ekitike (22) and Milos Kerkez (21), fitting the age profile Liverpool targets. Bouaddi’s profile aligns with that style of acquisition.
Elite clubs such as Real Madrid and Juventus are reportedly preparing substantial summer bids for Bouaddi. Didier Deschamps monitored Bouaddi but he was not selected for France’s final 26‑man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.