Liverpool are well in the mix for Ayyoub Bouaddi, as the Moroccan has grabbed the interest of a whost of top European clubs after impressing on the international stage for his country during this summer’s World Cup.
The 18-year-old has emerged as one of the brightest talents in French football after breaking into Lille’s first team at a remarkably young age.
His technical quality, intelligence in possession and composure beyond his years have caused Liverpool to be among the clubs credited with monitoring his development.
Interest in Bouaddi has only intensified over the past year, and his World Cup displays have put him into many conversations across Europe.
It has left Lille very much aware that keeping hold of one of their prized assets will become increasingly difficult if Europe’s biggest clubs come knocking.
However, any club hoping to prise Bouaddi away from Ligue 1 could be forced to spend close to £100million, with Lille president Olivier Letang effectively placing an enormous valuation on the teenage midfielder during an interview with Eurosport.
Letang was asked whether reports claiming Lille would demand between £80million and £100million for Bouaddi were accurate.
While refusing to confirm a specific asking price, he made it clear the teenager belongs in the same category as some of football’s most expensive midfielders.
“How to answer the question… I spoke, mentioned the subject, gave a figure? No, never.”
“You have to look at his level. How many players like Elliott Anderson or Sandro Tonali, who are much older, but with no room for progress, so you have an idea of the value of Ayyoub, who has a unique profile at only 18 years old.”
Rather than confirming Lille’s valuation outright, Letang instead pointed towards the fees commanded by established midfielders to underline how highly the club rates Bouaddi.
His comments strongly suggest Lille believe the Morocco international is already worth a nine-figure sum given both his current ability and enormous potential.
For Liverpool, Bouaddi represents the type of high-upside signing the recruitment team have prioritised in recent windows.
Yet if Lille’s stance remains unchanged, any attempt to bring the teenager to Anfield this summer would almost certainly require one of the biggest transfer fees in the club’s history.