Liverpool want deal for excellent 18-year-old who they watched at the weekend | OneFootball

Liverpool are set for a summer midfield transfer shuffle.

There is uncertainty around Curtis Jones with the 25-year-old out of contract in 2027 and no sign of a new deal coming. Wataru Endo could also be leaving as he too is out of contract at the end of next season.

Arne Slot is getting diminishing returns from the likes of Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister. It would therefore be no surprise to see the Premier League champions move for new midfielders in the off-season.

One name linked over the last year or so has been Lille prodigy Ayyoub Bouaddi.

Liverpool watch Bouaddi for Lille

The 18-year-old is a key part of the first-team picture for Bruno Genesio having risen through the academy ranks. At the weekend he was impressive as his side secured a hard-fought 2-1 win away at Marseille.

And that performance was witnessed in person by Liverpool recruiters - as well as representatives from Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City.

A report in TEAMtalk mentions Arsenal’s interest - stating that Bouaddi is very much on the agenda for the Carabao Cup finalists. But don’t discount Liverpool where staff have been bowled over by Bouaddi in the last 12 months or so.

“The 18-year-old has been firmly on the Gunners’ radar since before his senior breakthrough at Lille, though Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea are also keen,” the report reads.

“Liverpool also had representatives in attendance to watch Bouaddi in Lille’s victory, while officials connected to City Football Group – owners of Man City, and also and BlueCo, the parent company of Chelsea, were also tracking the midfielder closely.”

Bouaddi 'excellent' v Marseille

"The national team that manages to convince him to play will be very lucky!" said Maxifoot of his performance.

"At the Vélodrome, the 18-year-old midfielder once again impressed with his composure under pressure and in tight spaces. His excellent movement allowed his teammates to find him between the Marseille lines.

"The French-Moroccan could have improved his performance in stoppage time, but he squandered a golden opportunity."

Ayyoub Bouaddi: Situation summary

Ayyoub Bouaddi is an 18-year-old French-born midfielder of Moroccan descent who plays for Lille, having come through AFC Creil and LOSC’s academy before debuting and quickly establishing himself in the first team.

Standing around 1.85m and primarily operating as a central/defensive midfielder, he is viewed inside France as one of the standout teenage midfield prospects.

Bouaddi signed his first deal with Lille in 2023 and, after rapid progress, extended his contract to 2029, with Lille briefing that interested clubs would need to pay in excess of €50m to get him out.

That long-term commitment, coupled with the price guidance, effectively gives Lille strong control over his next move.

In 2025/26 he has become a regular, passing 1,200 competitive minutes for Lille with one assist, solid passing accuracy close to 85–90%, and strong underlying defensive and ball-progressing metrics despite no goals.

His profile is that of a combative but forward-thinking pivot: aggressive in duels, proactive in pressing, and comfortable breaking lines with his passing rather than just recycling possession.

Several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United, have monitored him, but Lille’s recent extension and asking price mean any move is framed as a big-money, medium-term target rather than an imminent transfer.