Report: Liverpool join Arsenal in pursuit of talented young Ligue 1 midfielder | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Scouting Network Identifies Ayyoub Bouaddi as a Future Star

Liverpool’s transfer radar continues to track emerging talents, and the latest name to surface is Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi. The 17-year-old midfielder is reportedly catching the eye of several Premier League giants, with TBR Football stating that Arsenal were initially leading the chase. However, Liverpool, alongside Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City, Aston Villa, and Brighton, have now entered the fray, all receiving “glowing” reports on the French youngster.

Bouaddi’s rise has been swift. A regular feature in Lille’s Ligue 1 campaign, the teenager has also been trusted in high-stakes European competition, starting in their Champions League Round of 16 tie against Borussia Dortmund. His inclusion at such a young age underlines his burgeoning reputation, and with Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and RB Leipzig also monitoring him, the competition for his signature will be fierce.

What Makes Bouaddi So Special?

At just 17, Bouaddi has demonstrated versatility beyond his years. Capable of playing as an attacking midfielder, a holding midfielder, or even in central defence, his adaptability is one of his strongest assets. However, he has largely operated as a central midfielder this season, a position in which he has already made 18 appearances.

His ability to play in multiple roles will undoubtedly appeal to Arne Slot, whose tactical flexibility at Feyenoord was one of his defining traits. Slot has inherited a Liverpool squad that thrives on midfield dynamism, with players like Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones offering flexibility. Bouaddi could be another piece in that evolving puzzle.

A Transfer Battle on the Horizon

Despite the mounting interest, any Premier League move for Bouaddi would have to wait until 2026, as FIFA regulations prevent under-18s from transferring between clubs in different countries. This delay could play in Lille’s favour, with the French club unlikely to want to part with yet another key asset after already preparing for the departures of Angel Gomes and Jonathan David on free transfers.

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TBR Football notes that “Lille set to lose Angel Gomes and Jonathan David this summer on free transfers, TBR Football sources believe they would be in no mood to lose Bouaddi.” That could make negotiations tricky for any suitors, but it also underlines just how highly he is rated.

Why Liverpool’s Interest Makes Sense

Liverpool’s midfield is undergoing a long-term transformation. Last summer’s arrivals of Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai signalled the beginning of a rebuild, and while Wataru Endo has performed admirably in the holding role, he is not a long-term solution. Bouaddi’s technical ability, composure, and tactical intelligence could make him an ideal candidate for Liverpool’s evolving midfield setup.

Moreover, with Liverpool’s recruitment strategy increasingly focused on young, high-potential players—an approach that saw them land Stefan Bajčetić and Harvey Elliott—Bouaddi fits the mould perfectly. However, the competition will be fierce, and with Arsenal heavily invested in the race, Liverpool will need to move decisively if they want to win the battle for his signature.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, Bouaddi’s profile is certainly intriguing. The idea of adding a 17-year-old midfield talent to an already youthful core aligns well with the club’s recruitment model. Given the success of past young acquisitions, like Elliott and Bajčetić, there is plenty of reason to believe Liverpool could mould Bouaddi into a top-class player.

That said, the timeline for his arrival is a potential issue. By 2026, Liverpool’s midfield might look very different, with new signings and tactical shifts under Slot shaping the squad. Waiting nearly two years to secure his services could allow other clubs—especially those without transfer restrictions, like Bayern or Madrid—to swoop in earlier.

The other factor is whether Liverpool would be willing to engage in a bidding war. While FSG has shown a willingness to spend, they rarely get into prolonged financial battles for players. If Arsenal, Chelsea, or City decide to flex their financial muscle, Liverpool might not engage beyond a certain threshold.

Ultimately, Bouaddi is a talent worth watching, but whether Liverpool will push hard for his signing remains to be seen.