Liverpool’s interest in midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi has been reported, plus the club’s stance on Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott.
Liverpool tracking Lille midfield prodigy Ayyoub Bouaddi
Much of Liverpool’s focus so far this summer has been on bolstering their forward line, with Victor Munoz signed and a pursuit for Yan Diomande ongoing.
But an addition in midfield is also on the agenda, and the *Mail*‘s Lewis Steele has reported there is “firm” interest in Lille’s Bouaddi.
He is still only 18, but is at the World Cup with Morocco after two seasons as a regular for Lille.
Steele notes that Liverpool “like him” but as they consider “their priorities,” other clubs are “ahead in the race.”
Real Madrid, Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City are namechecked as clubs in the hunt for the teenager’s signature.
He is a holding midfielder but is proficient at two-way play, making him a player who can pass, progress the ball and defend, leading to the long list of interested clubs.
Bouaddi signed a contract extension last year and he is expected to demand a hefty fee, but would certainly tick the youth box for Liverpool!
LFC News: New coach targeted by Burnley, Jones stance and Elliott chance
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - Friday, March 20, 2026: Bournemouth coach Tommy Elphick during the FA Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Manchester United FC at Dean Court. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
• Tommy Elphick is expected to be confirmed as part of Iraola’s backroom staff, but the Championship’s Burnley did make a play as part of their manager search. No chance he’d say no to joining his boyhood club, though
• Alexander Isak had a word with Anthony Elanga after he failed to realise Sweden’s draw was enough to qualify for the knockouts – is it really that hard to remember?!
• Yan Diomande is the only player this century to complete 10 or more dribbles and create 10 or more chances in his first three World Cup games – you can’t blame Leipzig for waiting to drive his price up!
• Harvey Elliott is expected to be given a chance by Andoni Iraola, with the midfielder to be part of the club’s pre-season tour of the US. Few would surely be against him staying
• Liverpool are prepared to let **Curtis Jones**‘ contract run down if no acceptable offer is made this summer. The ball is in Inter’s court, but I’m all for keeping him at Anfield
Giorgi Mamardashvili leaves more questions than answers
Giorgi Mamardashvili was signed as the apparent successor to Alisson, but the jury is still out after his debut season, writes Danny Gallagher:
“His reflexes are sound enough, his shot-stopping perhaps the most impressive part of his all-round game. On a few occasions, Mamardashvili stole the show with a series of high-profile stops, both from distance and at close quarters.
“But it’s in those fleeting moments, those all-important pockets of nothingness when off the ball when he could be a fraction better. Awareness inside the box, pulling up a higher line when out of possession, more like Alisson.
“His kicking and distribution are certainly areas that are lacking and need to improve considerably. The Georgian is without doubt a confidence ‘keeper and when it’s low, the ball is often kicked long and wayward.”
Football News: Man City land Anderson and Arsenal eye move for Guimaraes
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Wednesday, March 4, 2026: Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson during the FA Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Nottingham Forest FC at the City of Manchester Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
• Elliot Anderson will join Man City after a deal was struck with Nottingham Forest. BBC Sport say the deal is worth £116 million, though other sources state it is £130 million. Bizarre!
• Arsenal made a verbal offer to sign Newcastle‘s Bruno Guimaraes for less than £60 million, unsurprisingly it has been knocked back. The Magpies are taking one hit after another (The Athletic)
• Marco Palestra is undergoing his medical with Chelsea today ahead of his expected £43 million transfer from Atalanta – he’ll be Xabi Alonso’s first signing (Sky Sports)
• Wrexham’s Paul Mullin will leave the club this summer after his contract was mutually terminated, meaning he will not be involved in the pre-season friendly against Liverpool (Wrexham AFC)
Liverpool FC: On this day
NANNING, CHINA - Friday, March 23, 2018: Uruguay's Luis Suárez during the 2018 Gree China Cup International Football Championship match between Uruguay and Czech Republic at the Guangxi Sports Centre. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
On this day in 2014, Luis Suarez was given a worldwide ban from all football-related activities for four months after being found guilty of biting.
Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini was on the receiving end in a World Cup group game, and subsequently the Uruguayan was banned for nine international matches and fined £66,000.
He would not return to Liverpool after his controversial summer, with the club instead sanctioning a move to Barcelona in a deal worth £75 million.
An utterly unique player and person.