Liverpool remain in the conversation to sign Morocco star Ayyoub Bouaddi in the summer transfer window, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
The 18-year-old has arguably been one of the standout young players at the 2026 World Cup, particularly catching the eye against Brazil earlier in the tournament.
Liverpool are one of many clubs to have been linked with a move for Bouaddi ahead of next season, as Andoni Iraola eyes a top-quality midfield addition with lots of potential, with Adam Wharton and Alex Scott also mentioned.
Speaking to Football Insider, O’Rourke said that the Reds are still in the race to sign the Lille star this summer, but three Premier League rivals in Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United are providing competition:
“I don’t think there’s a clear favourite for Bouaddi. He’s obviously been a standout for Morocco at the World Cup, and that has obviously brought a lot of eyes on him.
“You’ve got Man City, you’ve got Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Bayern Munich all interested in the Lille midfielder, which doesn’t come as a surprise considering his performances for Morocco. He’s still only 18 as well, so Lille don’t really want to lose him, but obviously if a big offer does come in for him, it it’s something they would have to consider.”
Liverpool target Ayyoub Bouaddi is worthy of the hype
If Liverpool were able to beat other top clubs for the signing of Bouaddi, it would feel like a major coup, considering he has an enormous ceiling, possibly becoming a world-class midfielder over time.
The Morocco ace has so much maturity for his age, combining quality on the ball with intelligence and hard work off it, with Beth Tucker describing him as a “phenomenal talent”.
A new midfielder is a must for Liverpool, regardless of whether all the current players in that area stay this summer, and Bouaddi has to stand out as a leading choice.
He may come on the cheap in comparison to the likes of Wharton and Scott, due to them being English players whose price tags become recklessly high, and the sky is the limit for him as a footballer.
