Nick Barnes and James Copley react to Sunderland 1-1 Leeds United
Sunderland have been linked with a move for LOSC Lille star Ayyoub Bouaddi
One report in particular that has caught the eye in recent days comes from online outlet TEAMtalk, who suggest that the Black Cats have been monitoring two highly-rated midfielders from Ligue 1. Ayyoub Bouaddi of LOSC Lille and AS Monaco’s Lamine Camara are both well-regarded prospects in the French game, and are both expected to command notable fees if and when the time comes for them to leave their current employers.
For his part, continental publication RMC Sport has suggested that Bouaddi could be valued at anywhere up to £43.6 million by Lille, and he has alright been touted as a target for the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, and Chelsea.
What has Ayyoub Bouaddi said about his future amid Sunderland transfer links?
But while he continues to garner interest from far and wide, the player himself has seemingly hinted that he has no plans on going anywhere until the end of the season at least.
Having put pen to paper on a fresh contract extension with Lille earlier this month, the 18-year-old told L’Équipe: “I have extended until 2029 and next year is still far away. I am focused on this season and we have things to fight for. As I also said to the president [Olivier Létang], at the end of the season, there will be a choice to be made, and anything can happen. We don’t know what will happen.”
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What has been said about Sunderland target Ayyoub Bouaddi’s contract extension?
In a statement following Bouaddi’s contract extension, Lille president Olivier Létang said: “The extension of Ayyoub’s contract is a very emotional moment for us, given the strong bond we share. First and foremost, it’s a deep and special human connection. Ayyoub is a crucial player in our squad. Through his values and talent, he embodies the excellence of LOSC’s youth academy, which shapes not only footballers but also men. He possesses exceptional potential and remarkable maturity for his age.
“But that’s not enough to become a great champion. It also requires hard work, determination, humility, mental fortitude, and a certain spirit. And in these areas as well, Ayyoub offers all the qualities that lead me to believe he is, and will continue to be, a top-level footballer. To achieve this, he must continue to develop and grow. The environment we provide at LOSC is ideal for him to reach new heights. That’s why we are so happy to see Ayyoub Bouaddi continue his journey with us. With us.”
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