Report: Liverpool set to battle Man United in the race to sign 20-year-old forward | OneFootball

Premier League Eyes Fixed on Vicarage Road Prospect

There are certain midweek Championship fixtures that feel heavier with consequence than the league table suggests. Watford’s 3-0 win over Birmingham was one such night, not purely for the scoreline, but for who was watching from the stands. Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle United were all present, their attention drawn by a player whose reputation has travelled fast since the summer. Credit must go to TeamTalk for first revealing the scale of that interest.

Othmane Maamma’s journey has not followed a straight line. The 20 year old arrived at Watford quietly, his early momentum disrupted by international duty. Yet the Under 20 World Cup in Chile proved transformative, where he returned not only sharper but crowned the Golden Ball winner for best player. As one scout source might reasonably suggest, “that tournament did not make Maamma talented, it made Europe pay attention”.

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Momentum Building After World Cup Brilliance

Watford have benefited directly from that surge. Under Javi Gracia, Maamma has grown into a key figure as promotion contention gathers pace. Nearly a dozen clubs were watching against Birmingham, a clear indication that monitoring has shifted towards readiness. Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle United have checked on him before, and Brighton, Brentford and Sunderland continue to track his progress closely.

Value, Versatility and Transfer Reality

Watford paid Montpellier less than £1million, a detail that sharpens the financial narrative. There is no January sale planned, but football history shows that resolve weakens when substantial profit is offered. Maamma’s two footed ability and comfort on either flank only widen his appeal. “He looks like a modern winger built for pressing systems and transition football”, is a fair reading of his current profile.

Wider Transfer Context Emerging

This scouting overlap reflects a broader market pattern. Liverpool and Manchester United are also watching RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, while AZ midfielder Kees Smit is admired by both, though only at a record breaking fee. Maamma fits neatly into this emerging category of early identification rather than reactive spending.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, this report lands with a mix of excitement and caution. There is genuine intrigue in seeing the club consistently present at Championship grounds again, quietly gathering information rather than chasing headlines. Under Arne Slot, recruitment feels more aligned to development and tactical fit, and Maamma ticks several of those boxes on paper.

That said, scepticism remains. Championship standouts have tempted Liverpool before, with mixed results, and the jump in intensity and scrutiny is unforgiving. The concern is not about talent, but timing. Is Maamma ready to step into a squad chasing titles and European success, or does he represent another long term project competing for limited minutes?

There is also an emotional undercurrent around Liverpool’s squad building since last summer. With the tragic loss of Diogo Jota in July 2025 still casting a shadow, attacking recruitment carries extra sensitivity. Supporters want ambition, but also certainty. “Liverpool cannot afford to stockpile potential without pathways”, is a sentiment that resonates strongly.

Ultimately, Maamma feels like a smart watch rather than a necessary move. If Watford’s price reflects realism rather than hype, interest may harden. If not, Liverpool fans will expect discipline. Excitement is healthy, but so is restraint, especially in a market where patience has often been rewarded.