Liverpool are yet to sign a player this summer but have been linked with Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi
Liverpool may have the opportunity to secure one of the World Cup’s emerging talents this summer. Ayyoub Bouaddi is currently shining for Morocco at the tournament, which is currently taking place across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The Reds are yet to complete their first signing of the transfer window, but are already being linked with numerous names as potential signings. Bouaddi is one player whose name has surfaced on the rumour mill over recent days.
Fabrizio Romano has recently stated that Liverpool, alongside Arsenal, have had “direct contact” with Bouaddi’s agent representatives regarding a possible transfer this summer.
Additional reports have also suggested that Paris Saint-Germain may have an interest in the 18-year-old midfielder, who remains contracted to Lille until the summer of 2028.
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Liverpool are expected to focus on the attacking department when it comes to additions this summer, but they could also look to examine their midfield options.
Andoni Iraola confronts a significant task to restore Liverpool to challenging for major trophies next season, in what will be his first campaign in the role since succeeding Arne Slot earlier this month.
Bouaddi has featured in just one World Cup match so far and delivered an outstanding display for Morocco as they secured a 1-1 draw with Brazil on Saturday evening in New Jersey.
Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi explained his reasoning behind the decision to hand Bouaddi a start in the nation’s World Cup curtain-raiser.
“It was not a risk to play him [Bouaddi] just because he’s 18,” Ouahbi told reporters, via ESPN.
“I only look at players’ performance, not the age of the player. He could be 35, and if he plays well, he’ll play, or 17.
“I’m not the guy to be afraid of playing youngsters, we were sure and certain that he’d have a big match, and so it wasn’t a risk at all – it wasn’t the kind of match for taking risks against Brazil.
“Maybe it’s because he’s a new player that everyone’s got so excited, it was his first match at international level, an important match at his young age, but he’s not short of experience.”
The teenager operated in the holding midfield position for his nation, and would undoubtedly have attracted interest from Europe’s elite clubs following his performance.
The CIES Football Observatory presently rates Bouaddi at up to €59million (£50m), while reports have suggested that Lille are demanding a fee nearer to €70m (£60m).
Liverpool currently have Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, Florian Wirtz and Trey Nyoni among their midfield choices but will also see Harvey Elliott return after his loan spell at Aston Villa.
Bouaddi would undoubtedly bring some defensive solidity to Liverpool’s midfield should he make the switch to Anfield, and that could be exactly what the Reds require ahead of another busy campaign across four competitions.