Olivier Giroud waxes lyrical about Liverpool target Ayyoub Bouadi as transfer talks heat up | OneFootball

Liverpool are one of several clubs across Europe in the race to sign Lille youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi.

Liverpool’s transfer interest has now received a seal of approval from Bouaddi’s former teammate, Olivier Giroud, who has been full of praise for the teenager.

The Reds are working on a deal to bring the 18-year-old to Anfield this summer, and reports claim that they’ve already made direct contact with the player’s representatives.

Bouaddi has turned heads with his World Cup debut performance for Morocco against Brazil.

After dominating the midfield battle against some of the most elite midfielders across the continent, the teenager has become a highly sought-after prospect.

While clubs may have only started noticing Bouaddi, former Arsenal and Chelsea striker Giroud has been a fan of the Moroccan midfielder for some time.

Both players have shared a dressing room at Lille since Giroud returned to Europe from Los Angeles FC in the United States last year.

The 39-year-old has repeatedly highlighted qualities that make Bouaddi stand out, reinforcing Liverpool’s belief that he has what it takes to become a world beater in the future.

“There’s a 21-year age gap between Ayyoub and me, he’s a great guy on and off the pitch,” Giroud said (via The Mirror).

“Wow, he blew me away. He’s the one who amazes me the most on a daily basis, even if there are other good young players.

“The maturity he has – me, at 17, I was in the U19 national league. I was light-years away from that.

“I call him my little one, but he is already a big boy, very mature, with extraordinary values. I really wish him a great career because he is a beautiful person in addition to being a top player.”

Rumours surrounding Bouaddi’s future kicked off after his unbelievable performance against Brazil.

While he has acknowledged the growing interest in his services, he has made it clear that he will only make a decision on his long-term future after the World Cup.