Ayyoub Bouaddi: Man United eye bargain deal for Lille protégé | OneFootball

Manchester United are hoping to repeat a trick from INEOS’ first summer in charge at Old Trafford as the Red Devils plot a raid on Leny Yoro’s former side.

The next wonderkid from Lille

Ayyoub Bouaddi is considered one of the premier prospects in midfield throughout European football after establishing himself as a key part of LOSC Lille’s starting eleven.

Despite being just 18 years old, the French starlet plays with a maturity, in and out of possession, which belies his age.

There is a potent pairing of technique and industry, coupled with tactical intelligence and an incisive eye for a pass, which Bouaddi completes with already high levels of physical output.

Having made his debut for Lille just two days after his 16th birthday, becoming the youngster player in history to appear in a European club competition, Bouaddi’s ascension into senior football has been rapid.

But the midfielder has handled the pressure with the same mastery he possesses of a football – and tere are few youngsters attracting as much attention from a host of major clubs across the continent.

Four Four Two reveals “most of Europe’s elite” are scouting Bouaddi with Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain credited with interest.

But report by Attacking Football states United are also firmly in the hunt with the Red Devils having taken a “close interest” in the 18-year-old, though they are joined by all of their domestic rivals.

“A Long-Term Target”

Attacking Football reveals United have been tracking Bouaddi since October 2023 with the recruitment department ramping up scouting reports over the past year.

“By this season, United’s interest has evolved from distant curiosity to active monitoring. Club scouts have attended numerous Lille fixtures, including the recent clash with Paris Saint-Germain, to evaluate Ayyoub Bouaddi in person. Those present were said to be impressed by his composure and tactical discipline against elite opposition, reinforcing the belief that he’s capable of adapting to Premier League tempo.”

Christopher Vivell – the director of recruitment at Old Trafford – is “heavily involved” in the pursuit. The executive is said to be “impressed by Bouaddi’s mix of maturity, game intelligence, and technical precision.”

Attacking Football contends United’s hierarchy view Bouaddi as “a player who could develop into a first-team regular at Old Trafford within a few years.”

Bouaddi’s contract situation with Lille creates a parallel with his former teammate, Yoro, now starting for United after a £59 million switch to Old Trafford last year in INEOS’ first transfer window in charge.

United were able to strike a deal for the French defender, in part, because he had only one year remaining on his deal. The club were forced to pay a huge sum relative to this, but only to fend off interest from Real Madrid.

Yoro’s availability was primarily driven by the fact he would have left Lille twelve months later on a free – and it’s this reality which enabled United to secure the best young defensive prospect in Europe.

Come the summer, Bouaddi – the midfield version of Yoro – will be in the exact same position, allowing interested clubs to test Lille’s resolve at a price which the 18-year-old should cost far more than.

Attacking Football reveals Bouaddi is likely to be “available for around £40 million, though Lille are expected to push for more given his age, previous sales and performances.”

But even if the price was to reach Yoro’s fee, this would still constitute a great deal for a player with the immense potential of Bouaddi in a position United desperately need younger upgrades in.

However, Bouaddi would unlikely to be the only midfielder United recruit in the summer, with links to targets in the Premier League – Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton – continuing to crop up.

If Bouaddi was to arrive alongside, hypothetically, Anderson from Nottingham Forest, while Casemiro’s contract expires and Manuel Ugarte is sold, it would constitute a fantastic overhaul of Ruben Amorim’s engine room.

The only downside would be the continued marginalisation of Kobbie Mainoo – United’s own version of Bouaddi. But the England international, unfortunately, lacks the physical edge his French counterpart offers, despite being two years older.

And as the Premier League continues to evolve into a division dominated by players as strong without the ball as they are with it, a midfielder with the talents (and weaknesses) of Mainoo may be an unfortunate victim, much to this writer’s dismay.

Feature image Christof Koepsel via Getty Images

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