Ayyoub Bouaddi has been one of the standout performers at the World Cup for Morocco, with the Lille midfielder having caught the eye of Premier League sides including Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United
Daniel Orme Trends Writer
16:40, 05 Jul 2026
Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal have been linked with Ayyoub Bouaddi
Liverpool, United and Arsenal have all been linked with Ayyoub Bouaddi(Image: Getty Images)
Premier League clubs have been cautioned that they may need to pay huge sums to secure World Cup sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi. The teenager has impressed for Morocco at this summer's tournament, playing a crucial role in the African nation's progression to the quarter-finals.
This follows three outstanding campaigns with French outfit Lille, where he broke into the first team at merely 16 years of age. Bouaddi's displays have attracted attention from numerous clubs, including Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United.
However, Lille president Olivier Letang has cautioned those pursuing the midfielder that they may need to reach deep into their coffers to secure his signature.
Speaking to Eurosport, he said: "Many clubs are interested in him, but very few can afford him right now. He's already one of the best midfielders in the world and still has significant room for improvement.
"He's only 18 and has his whole future ahead of him. He's focused on continuing to develop and winning everything."
When questioned about whether he had established a valuation for the midfielder, Letang responded: "How to answer that question... Have I spoken, brought up the subject, given a figure? No, never.
"You have to look at his level. How much have players like (Elliot) Anderson or (Sandro) Tonali been sold for, who are much older, but without room for improvement, so you have an idea of the value of Ayyoub, who has a unique profile at only 18 years old."
From Bouaddi's standpoint, he has three years left to run on his current deal with Lille, with earlier reports indicating that the club placed his value at approximately $94 million (£70m) but that is now likely to exceed $134M (£100m).
Ayyoub Bouaddi
Ayyoub Bouaddi has impressed at the World Cup(Image: Getty Images)
Quizzed about his future prospects earlier this summer, the midfielder was keen to set aside any speculation while competing at the World Cup. He commented: "For the moment I'm only focused on the World Cup, I cannot answer to this right now.
"I'm really happy to know that some clubs are interested in me but for now I'm here focused on the World Cup with Morocco and we will try to give everything to do our best."
Bouaddi and Morocco are set to return to action shortly when they face France in the quarter-finals of the tournament.
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Victory over Les Bleus would secure their place in the World Cup semi-finals for the second successive tournament, where they would meet either Portugal, Spain, USA or Belgium in the last four.