Liverpool have been one of several sides linked with a big-money move for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi this summer after his impressive performances at the World Cup
Ayyoub Bouaddi looks on
Ayyoub Bouaddi has been linked with Liverpool this summer (Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
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Liverpool-linked Ayyoub Bouaddi has agreed to join Manchester City, according to reports. Bouaddi emerged as one of the standout talents of the World Cup following his eye-catching displays for Morocco.
The 18-year-old shone for the AFCON champions, prompting Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United to reportedly register interest in the youngster. The Lille midfielder was particularly impressive in Morocco's first game against Brazil.
Bouaddi dictated proceedings for the North African nation in their Group C clash. Despite the abundance of world-class talent on display from both sides, including Vinicius Jr and Raphinha, as well as Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari, it was the teenage Bouaddi who rose above the rest to deliver one of the finest performances on the pitch.
This has inevitably sent transfer speculation into overdrive, with reports suggesting that Liverpool may look to bring the Lille star to Anfield during the summer window.
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But Sky Sports Germany claim that Bouaddi “has reached a full verbal agreement” with the Reds' Premier League rivals City.
The interest from east Manchester comes amid uncertainty over Rodri's future. Spanish giants Real Madrid are interested in the City midfielder, and the Etihad side could use the money generated from his sale to fund a move for £85million-rated Bouaddi.
Ayyoub Bouaddi during Quarter final FIFA World Cup 2026, France and Morocco
Ayyoub Bouaddi has been linked with a transfer to Liverpool this summer(Image: (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images))
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The Moroccan star has previously admitted he is "really happy" to be linked with a move to several major clubs this summer.
Speaking to The Athletic following his performance against Brazil in North America this summer, he said: "For the moment, I am only focused on the World Cup and I cannot answer to this right now.
“Of course, I’m really happy to know that some clubs are interested in me. But, for now, I’m only focused on the World Cup with Morocco and we will try to give everything to do our best.”
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However, for those anticipating a potential cut-price deal, securing Bouaddi will be far from cheap, according to Lille president Olivier Letang. The 53-year-old referenced the recent departures of Elliot Anderson (£116m to Manchester City) and Sandro Tonali (£100m to Tottenham Hotspur) as a benchmark for what a club might need to spend to capture Bouaddi.
When pressed on Eurosport for a specific fee the club would expect for the midfielder, he 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 [23 and 26 respectively], 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."
He added: "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."