Liverpool may have the chance to sign one of the World Cup's breakout stars this summer. Ayyoub Bouaddi is currently starring for Morocco at the tournament, which is being held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The Reds are yet to make their first signing of the transfer window, but are already being linked with a host of names as potential targets. Bouaddi is one player whose name has been mentioned on the rumour mill over the last few days.
Fabrizio Romano has recently claimed that Liverpool, as well as Arsenal, have had direct contact with Bouaddi's agent representatives over a potential move this summer.
Separate reports have also claimed that Paris Saint-Germain may also have an interest in the 18-year-old midfielder, who is currently under contract with Lille until the summer of 2028.
Liverpool's Midfield Options
Liverpool are likely to be prioritising the forward department when it comes to reinforcements this summer, but they would also be wise to look at their midfield. Andoni Iraola faces a major challenge to get Liverpool back to competing for major honours next season, in what will be his first year in the job since replacing Arne Slot earlier this month.
Bouaddi has only played one game in the World Cup so far and put in an impressive performance for Morocco as they earned a 1-1 draw with Brazil on Saturday night in New Jersey. Morocco boss Mohamed Ouahbi explained why he made the decision to give Bouaddi a start in the country's World Cup opener.
It was not a risk to play him just because he's 18, Ouahbi told reporters. I only look at players' performance, not the age of the player. He could be 35, and if he plays well, he'll play, or 17. I'm not the guy to be afraid of playing youngsters, we were sure and certain that he'd have a big match, and so it wasn't a risk at all - it wasn't the kind of match for taking risks against Brazil.
Maybe it's because he's a new player that everyone's got so excited, it was his first match at international level, an important match at his young age, but he's not short of experience. The teenager played the anchor role in midfield for his country, and would certainly have caught the attention of Europe's biggest clubs with his performance.
Transfer Valuation
The CIES Football Observatory currently values Bouaddi at up to €59 million (£50 million), while there have been reports suggesting that Lille are holding out for a fee closer to €70 million (£60 million). Liverpool currently have Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, Florian Wirtz and Trey Nyoni as their midfield options but will also welcome back Harvey Elliott following his loan at Aston Villa.
Bouaddi would certainly add some defensive stability to Liverpool's midfield if he were to move to Anfield, and that could be precisely what the Reds need ahead of another busy season across four competitions.
