Lille president Olivier Letang has placed a £100m price tag on in-demand midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, drawing comparisons to Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali. The 18-year-old Morocco international has attracted strong interest from several clubs, including Liverpool, following his standout performances at the World Cup.
Bouaddi's World Cup Impact
Bouaddi has shone in midfield for Morocco, who are set to face tournament favourites France in the World Cup semi-final in Boston on Thursday evening. His displays in North America have caught the attention of top European clubs, with Liverpool among those monitoring the teenager.
Letang acknowledged the fierce interest in Bouaddi this summer but insisted no formal valuation has been placed on the player. However, he pointed to recent big-money transfers as benchmarks for Bouaddi's potential price.
Comparisons to Anderson and Tonali
Speaking to Eurosport, Letang said: “How to answer that question? Have I spoken, brought up the subject or given a figure? No, never. You have to look at his level. How much have players like Anderson or Tonali been sold for, who are much older (23 and 26 respectively), but without room for improvement, so you have an idea of the value of Ayyoub, who has a unique profile at only 18 years old.”
The £116m deal that took Anderson from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur's club-record transfer of Tonali, which could reach £100m, serve as useful barometers for Bouaddi's asking price, according to Letang.
“Many clubs are interested in him, but very few can afford him right now. He’s already one of the best midfielders in the world and still has significant room for improvement. He’s only 18 and has his whole future ahead of him,” Letang added.
Liverpool's Summer Transfer Activity
Liverpool have already spent £94.5m this summer on centre-back Jeremy Jacquet and winger Victor Munoz. New head coach Andoni Iraola will take charge of his first game on July 25 against Sunderland in Nashville, as part of the Reds' US tour.
