Liverpool have an interest in Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, whose value has soared according to his club president after recent record transfers.
Bouaddi, 18, has impressed in his four outings at the World Cup with Morocco, only increasing the speculation over his future.
Liverpool, Man City, Arsenal, Man United, Real Madrid, Barcelona and PSG are among the interested clubs, with his price tag first reported to be in the region of £69 million to £86 million.
However, Elliot Anderson’s record £116 million move from Nottingham Forest and Sandro Tonali’s £92.5 million switch to Tottenham have set a new benchmark.
Player Profile: Ayyoub Bouaddi
Transfer Value: £41mAge: 18 (Oct 2, 2007)Height: 6’1″ (185cm)Birthplace: Senlis, France
Club: LillePosition: MidfielderFoot: Right2025/26 Appearances: 42
When Eurosport asked Lille president Olivier Letang if the club’s demands for Bouaddi remain as stated, he noted the abovementioned deals as a reference point.
In a hint Bouaddi’s value has risen closer to £100 million, Letang said: “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 Anderson or 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.”
Bouaddi signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract with Lille in December, tying him to the Ligue 1 side until 2029, but it is believed the deal acts to protect his value.
Transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano recently claimed Arsenal and Liverpool have both held meetings with the 18-year-old’s agent, but Letang’s stance suggests it will take a significant fee to strike a deal.
“Ayyoub made his international debut in the Morocco-Brazil match,” Letang continued. “That’s not nothing.
“On the other hand, despite being 18, Ayyoub is a boy who has already played matches at a very high level. He’s played in Ligue 1, played in Champions League campaigns, the Europa League, [and] the Europa Conference.
“He’s the youngest player to have played in a European Cup match. He’s very young but already with significant experience. In those three years with us, he’s been extraordinary in many ways.
“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.”
Morocco have qualified for the World Cup quarter-finals and will face France on Thursday (9pm BST).