As the winter chill settles over Anfield, whispers from across the Channel grow louder. Lille’s 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi has sparked a frenzy among Europe’s elite, with scouts flocking to his every touch in Ligue 1. This isn’t just another prospect; he’s being hailed as a “generational talent,” and Liverpool are firmly in the mix.
Bouaddi burst onto the scene last season, but 2025 has seen him cement his place in Lille’s engine room. In the 2025-26 Ligue 1 campaign, he’s featured in 14 matches, starting 13, with one assist and a passing accuracy hovering around 92.6% in European outings.
His duels won stand at 60, showcasing a blend of tenacity and technique that echoes the best of Liverpool’s midfield past. At 185cm, he glides through challenges, recovering balls at a clip of 0.77 per match, while his progressive passes add that forward thrust Arne Slot craves. Think a young Fabinho with the flair of Thiago – raw, yet refined.
For Liverpool, Bouaddi represents the future-proofing of a squad in transition. Sources indicate the Reds view him as a “player for the next 10 years,” ideal for Slot’s possession-based setup. With Ryan Gravenberch anchoring and Alexis Mac Allister pulling strings, Bouaddi’s versatility could slot seamlessly, offering depth amid injury woes.
Liverpool’s scouts have monitored him closely, aligning with their strategy of nabbing young gems before the auction erupts. It’s no secret the club seeks midfield reinforcements; Bouaddi’s Ligue 1 outings, including a standout performance against Young Boys in the Europa League, underline his readiness.
Yet, the path isn’t clear. Chelsea eye him for their youth revolution, potentially bidding €45-50m in January before loaning to Strasbourg. Manchester United see him as Casemiro’s heir under Ruben Amorim, while Arsenal and even Real Madrid lurk. PSG, leveraging French ties, and La Liga sides add to the scrum. Lille, savvy as ever, extended his deal to 2029, demanding at least €60m – a steep but justified price for such promise.
The lad’s choice boils down to minutes on the pitch. Liverpool’s track record with youngsters – from Harvey Elliott to Stefan Bajcetic – could sway him, ensuring development without the bench.