Manchester United and Liverpool among clubs eyeing January move for Ligue 1 star | OneFootball

Premier League giants circle Lille’s prized midfielder

Ayyoub Bouaddi has become one of the most discussed young players in European recruitment circles as 2025 draws to a close. According to reporting from Caught Offside, the Lille midfielder is now firmly on the radar of multiple Premier League clubs, with Manchester United and Liverpool both closely monitoring a player described by sources as a “generational talent”.

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Bouaddi’s rise has been swift and compelling. Lille have quietly nurtured another elite prospect, and Europe’s biggest clubs have taken note. The interest is not speculative. Scouts have been tracking his progress for months, with the sense that a major move is only a matter of timing.

Manchester United see system fit

For Manchester United, Bouaddi is viewed as a natural fit for Ruben Amorim’s midfield structure. Sources indicate United consider him a “key piece” for the post Casemiro era, and there is a feeling at Old Trafford that moving decisively could be crucial. Chelsea are also active, continuing their relentless pursuit of elite youth talent.

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The Blues are believed to be considering a January approach in the region of €45–50 million. Their plan would be to sign Bouaddi outright before loaning him to sister club Strasbourg, allowing him to continue his development with regular football while remaining under BlueCo control.

Liverpool and Arsenal lay groundwork

Liverpool’s interest is more measured but no less significant. Bouaddi is seen at Anfield as a “player for the next 10 years,” a profile that aligns neatly with long term squad planning. Arsenal are also firmly in the race, having already made initial contact with the player’s camp as Mikel Arteta continues to prioritise technically gifted midfielders.

Across Europe, the competition intensifies. Paris Saint Germain are determined to keep France’s brightest prospects at home, while Real Madrid are exploring the idea of pairing Bouaddi with Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni to form a dominant French core.

Lille hold strong negotiating position

Lille have protected their asset by extending Bouaddi’s contract until 2029, a move that has strengthened their hand considerably. The club now expects offers of at least €60 million. For Bouaddi, the next step must be chosen carefully. Development and minutes matter. Joining a superclub only to sit on the bench would make little sense.

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Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From both Manchester United and Liverpool supporters, this report is exciting but cautionary. United fans will see Bouaddi as exactly the kind of modern midfielder the club has lacked, technically secure, progressive, and suited to a post Casemiro rebuild. The phrase “key piece” resonates strongly with a fanbase craving structure rather than stop gap solutions. However, there is anxiety about competition. United supporters know too well how often rivals outmanoeuvre them when elite talent is involved.

Liverpool fans, meanwhile, will view Bouaddi through a different lens. Described as a “player for the next 10 years,” he fits the club’s long standing recruitment philosophy. There is comfort in Liverpool’s patience, but also concern that patience can become passivity. Watching Chelsea and others move aggressively creates unease, especially given Liverpool’s recent midfield overhaul and the need to plan beyond current starters.

Both fanbases agree on one thing. Bouaddi’s development must come first. A move that prioritises minutes and coaching will define his career. If either club can convincingly offer that pathway, the €60 million price tag may yet feel justified rather than inflated.