Ayyoub Bouaddi was a standout as Morocco held Brazil to a 1-1 draw in their World Cup opener, and Liverpool are in “direct contact” with the Lille midfielder.
Bouaddi, 18, impressed throughout Saturday’s Group C clash as he dominated the midfield battle against a much more experienced Brazil unit.
His performances at the World Cup will only increase the interest around his future – which, according to Fabrizio Romano, includes Liverpool.
“There were direct contacts with Arsenal and direct contacts also with Liverpool,” he explained on YouTube.
“So both clubs had meetings with the agents of the player.”
Paris Saint-Germain are also among the clubs tracking Bouaddi and have already made an approach, with Romano claiming they “absolutely love” the France-born teenager.
However, the interest is unlikely to stop at Liverpool, Arsenal and PSG.
“Now shining at the World Cup, one of the best talents around, in midfield,” Romano continued.
“It’s going to be the summer of midfielders, now probably all of the clubs are going to be jumping on this opportunity. We will see what’s going to happen.”
Bouaddi signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract with Lille in December, tying him to the Ligue 1 side until 2029 – which it is believed was more designed to protect his value that ensure his long-term future.
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“That was a smart move, to be in control of the situation,” Romano said.
“But it’s also true that Lille are also, first of all, aware of what’s going to happen next.
“Lille know very well that top clubs will be coming for Bouaddi, because even before the World Cup some of the biggest clubs in the world started some conversations with his agents.”
Reports suggest Lille will demand a fee of around €70 million (£60.4m) for Bouaddi, which would clearly be a significant deal for whichever club secures his signature.
But Liverpool have already shown they are willing to meet such valuations for the highest-potential young talents.
Why Liverpool could be willing to spend big on Ayyoub Bouaddi
3BA119J Jeremy JACQUET of Rennes during the French championship Ligue 1 football match between Stade Rennais and OGC Nice on 10 May 2025 at Roazhon Park in Rennes, France
After extended talks with Rennes and the player himself, an agreement was struck in January to sign French centre-back Jeremy Jacquet for up to £60 million.
Though slightly older than Bouaddi at 20, Jacquet has played fewer games at senior level – 57 over his time with Rennes and Clermont Foot compared to the teenager’s 96 over three seasons with Lille.
Liverpool are expected to sign at least one midfielder this summer with high price tags quoted for the likes of Crystal Palace‘s Adam Wharton and Bournemouth‘s Alex Scott, who are both 22.
Any addition is likely to be dependent on sales, with Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo and Harvey Elliott among those who could move on while Dominik Szoboszlai now has only two years left on his contract.