Liverpool have had a slow start to their summer transfer business, but with the World Cup finishing this week, it is expected to finally take off.
The Reds returned for pre-season this week and have had their opening sessions with new manager Andoni Iraola, which will be a defining factor in Liverpool’s approach to the transfer market over the remainder of the window.
The new head coach will have the opportunity over the next few weeks to assess the players already at his disposal and will quickly be able to identify any gaps in the squad that need addressing before the new season begins.
What’s the latest Liverpool transfer news?
Liverpool have been linked with several wingers throughout the summer as they prepare for life after Mohamed Salah, with the position expected to become one of the most important for the club to address.
However, a move for a midfielder has also dominated the headlines, with a World Cup breakout star capturing the attention of Liverpool and several other Premier League giants.
It was reported last week that the Reds were interested in signing LOSC Lille star Ayyoub Bouaddi, but would need to agree to allowing him to return to the French club on a season-long loan before joining properly in the summer of 2027.
Since then, The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealed yesterday that Manchester City have joined the race:
“? Man City pushing hard for Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille. High among 18yo’s suitors (#PSG not in contention) & while others favour season on loan at #LOSC, #MCFC would integrate now. Price ~€100m [£85M] + Morocco int’l expected to make decision soon.”
In an interview with Anfield Index, Liverpool journalist David Lynch has given an update on the club’s stance on Bouaddi and how Manchester City’s approach affects their chances of getting a deal done:
“He’s definitely a player Liverpool admire and have done before the World Cup. I think it’s not been helpful for their interest just how good a World Cup he’s had. I just think it’s pushed the price up even further.”
“It has pushed the price into the kind of realms of prices that maybe Manchester City are slightly more willing to pay for a younger player than Liverpool would be.”
“It’s still early days in that one. I don’t think we’re in the place where we can completely rule them out.”
Should Liverpool sign Ayyoub Bouaddi?
There is no doubt that Liverpool need more defensive depth in their midfield options next season.
Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott all offer outstanding qualities in central midfield, but each is more effective going forward than in a deeper defensive role.
Bringing a specialist into the position would be massively advantageous and, although Bouaddi possesses progressive qualities, he is already a solid defensive midfielder who can be moulded into Liverpool’s long-term successor to Fabinho.
Hailed as a “prodigy” by TNT Sports pundit Julien Laurens, the 18-year-old has been one of the standout performers at the World Cup for Morocco. However, after the Atlas Lions crashed out in the quarter-finals to France last week, the race for his signature is beginning to heat up.
Liverpool have already shown their intent to invest in emerging talent this summer with the signings of Victor Munoz and Jeremy Jacquet, making Bouaddi another player who fits the recruitment profile.
Having said that, the Reds are unlikely to get themselves involved in a high-profile bidding war and, if Lynch’s comments are anything to go by, they are unlikely to be drawn into a battle with Manchester City if Bouaddi’s valuation continues to rise.