Report: Journalist confirms £60m-rated youngster is definitely a target for Liverpool | OneFootball

Liverpool weighing up £60m Bouaddi move as transfer priorities become clearer

Liverpool’s recruitment team may be focused heavily on attacking reinforcements, but one of Europe’s most gifted young midfielders continues to attract attention behind the scenes.

Ayyoub Bouaddi has emerged as a player Liverpool admire greatly, with journalist Lewis Steele confirming that the teenager remains a genuine target.

Speaking about Liverpool’s summer plans, Steele said: “Bouaddi is definitely a target, one they’ve watched extensively going back quite a while.”

The highly-rated midfielder has been linked with several leading European clubs after impressing for Lille OSC despite his young age.

Liverpool’s scouting department has followed his progress closely, recognising a player whose technical quality and maturity have attracted widespread praise across the continent.

Scouting history highlights long-term admiration

Liverpool’s interest is not a recent development.

Steele explained that Bouaddi first caught the club’s attention during scouting assignments connected to Champions League fixtures involving Lille.

“I think he caught the eye for Liverpool when they were scouting ahead of their Champions League game at Anfield.”

That detail is significant because it suggests Liverpool’s recruitment team have accumulated a substantial body of evidence before considering any potential move.

Modern transfer strategy at elite clubs revolves around long-term monitoring rather than reactionary purchases. Bouaddi appears to fit that profile perfectly.

The Morocco youth international continues to develop rapidly and is regarded as one of the brightest midfield prospects currently playing in Europe.

Liverpool’s recruitment model has consistently prioritised players with elite potential and significant room for growth. Bouaddi comfortably falls into that category.

£60m valuation creates difficult decision

The biggest challenge may be financial.

Steele revealed that Lille are likely to demand around €60 million for the midfielder.

“The Morocco international who Lille want around €60 million for.”

Converted into sterling, that fee sits just above £50 million, representing a substantial investment for a player still developing his senior career.

The valuation reflects both Bouaddi’s talent and the growing competition among elite clubs.

Steele made it clear that Liverpool are far from alone in their admiration.

“Like Diomande, Liverpool are not the only club that’s keen.”

That reality could create pressure on Liverpool if they decide to move aggressively later in the window.

However, the club’s hierarchy must balance admiration for Bouaddi with several other pressing needs.

Transfer priorities may determine outcome

Liverpool’s recruitment plans extend far beyond midfield.

Steele believes strengthening the attack remains the primary objective.

“Forward is number one priority for Liverpool.”

He also expects additional work in midfield and defence.

“I think they will sign a six. I think they’re scouring the market for full-backs as well.”

Those priorities naturally raise questions about where Bouaddi fits within the overall strategy. Liverpool have already identified multiple areas requiring reinforcement, while player sales could significantly influence spending power.

Steele acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding several squad members and suggested much will depend on departures before decisions are made regarding further arrivals.

“How much money do they have? How many players do they have to sell?”

For now, Bouaddi remains firmly under consideration.

“Definitely one they’ve watched, definitely one that they like.”

Yet Steele also recognised the practical reality facing Liverpool’s recruitment team.

“It’s just whether they decide the money’s best spent elsewhere this summer.”

That assessment neatly sums up Bouaddi’s situation. Liverpool clearly admire the midfielder, have monitored him extensively and understand his potential.

Whether admiration becomes a £60m transfer will depend on how the rest of the summer unfolds.

With the World Cup occupying much of the football world’s attention and the transfer window still open for several months, Liverpool have time to make that judgement. Bouaddi may not currently sit at the top of the priority list, but he remains one of the most exciting young midfielders under consideration at Anfield.