Liverpool are one of the main clubs involved in the race to sign Lille’s 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi despite holding two meetings to discuss signing him.
Last week, while speaking on the Born ‘n Red podcast, Fabrizio Romano said that Liverpool have already done a significant amount of groundwork on signing the teenager.
He said: “Keep a close eye to the situation of Bouaddi for Liverpool and other clubs. Liverpool had two meetings and there are more clubs involved in that [PSG and Arsenal], so it could be an opportunity to go for him.
“It depends on price, it depends on what Lille want to do, but Liverpool have been scouting the player for a long time. It has been almost one year of monitoring the player closely. Let’s see if they enter this one. I think it could be interesting, not just for Liverpool but for other clubs.”
Bouaddi has been starring for Morocco at the 2026 World Cup, and his long-term future may lie in the Premier League, but it could be Arsenal – not Liverpool – who signs him this summer. Fresh claims suggest that the Gunners are the leading club in the race to sign him.
Ayyoub Bouaddi ?
? Just 18 years old… #UCL pic.twitter.com/JYYlcmKw7X
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) June 17, 2026
Liverpool accelerate Bouaddi transfer file as Arsenal come under pressure
TEAMtalk journalist Graeme Bailey now reports that Arsenal are ready to accelerate their interest in the Moroccan teenager, while Liverpool and others have made enquiries to Lille.
Bailey reports: “Real Madrid and Liverpool have both made fresh enquiries about Lille wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi in recent days, TEAMtalk understands, with Arsenal continuing to push strongly for the teenager and Paris Saint-Germain also firmly in the mix.
“Lille believe Bouaddi could command a world-record fee for an 18-year-old – likely over £60million (€70m, $79m) – with the number of elite clubs now actively exploring a move, sources indicate that valuation is beginning to look increasingly realistic.
“However, the Gunners may need to move quickly as we can now reveal that both Real Madrid and Liverpool have stepped up their monitoring of the Morocco international’s situation and held talks with the player’s camp – confirming their admiration for the teen.
“Sources with knowledge of the discussions have confirmed that enquiries have been made in recent days as the Spanish and Premier League giants assess whether a deal could be possible.”
Bouaddi would be a fantastic signing, but Liverpool must offer him regular game time
According to The Athletic’s Mario Cortegana, Bouaddi wants to join a team that can offer him regular game time, where he can play a consistent key role.
?? ????: According to @MarioCortegana, Ayyoub Bouaddi's price would be around £70 Million – he prefers to join a team where he can play a key role consistently. pic.twitter.com/7qIYEcUIJ8
— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) June 24, 2026
It’s doubtful this would happen at Anfield. While there is no denying the ability Bouaddi has, the Reds are running the risk of having a team that is too youthful.
Personally, I don’t see any issue in him starting, but it’s rare to see an 18-year-old start regularly in the Premier League.