Liverpool have had “direct contacts” over the signing of Morocco midfield star Ayyoub Bouaddi, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
A new midfielder is vital for the Reds this summer, even if Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones stay put, amid doubts over their futures.
Speaking on YouTube [via Give Me Sport], Romano talked up the idea of Liverpool signing Bouaddi from Lille, having held talks over a summer move to Anfield:
“Lille knows 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. I can tell you that between January and now, for sure, he’s been approached by Paris Saint-Germain. Paris Saint-Germain love Bouaddi.
“At the moment, they are not so busy with midfielders on the market, so that’s a point. But Paris Saint-Germain absolutely love Bouaddi, and they’ve been tracking him for a long time. Then we have to mention also that English clubs started having conversations for Bouaddi.
“For example, there were direct contacts with Arsenal and direct contacts also with Liverpool, so both clubs had meetings with the agents of the player, but now shining at the World Cup, one of the best talents around in midfield.”
Ayyoub Bouaddi a potential future superstar
Bouaddi is an incredible talent at the age of 18, already producing a highly impressive performance for Morocco in their World Cup opener against Brazil on Saturday night, making four tackles and completing 91% of his passes.
He looks like a complete midfielder, possessing physical strength, technical quality and tactical intelligence, with journalist Bence Bocsak heaping praise on him abilities recently:
“Ayyoubb Bouaddi is one of the best U20 midfielders in the world right now. I think he’d really suit Andoni Iraola’s style of play with his ability to cover so much ground and win so many duels. Presses really well. Press resistant. Composed on the ball. Good ball carrier.”
Whoever ends up signing Bouaddi will be acquiring the services of a possible future superstar, and Liverpool beating some of their rivals to his signature could feel like a major coup for many years to come, not least for new head coach Andoni Iraola.