Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola may need to break the £100 million barrier for the first time in his career to secure a reported target. The Reds have been linked with several players across defence, midfield, and attack this summer, but only Victor Munoz has arrived from Osasuna so far. Among the linked names, Yan Diomande has been given advice on a potential move from RB Leipzig, while the valuation of Ayyoub Bouaddi has been disclosed by Lille president Olivier Letang.
Bouaddi Price Discussed
Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, 18, has impressed for Morocco during the World Cup, attracting interest from Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester United. However, acquiring him will not come cheap. Lille president Olivier Letang referenced recent big-money sales—Elliot Anderson (£116m to Manchester City) and Sandro Tonali (£100m to Tottenham Hotspur)—as a baseline for Bouaddi's value.
“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,” Letang told Eurosport. He added: “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.”
Diomande Transfer Advice
Yan Diomande's future remains uncertain, but former Liverpool star Joe Cole has advised the Ivorian winger to choose Liverpool over Paris Saint-Germain. “There's a lot of top-level wingers in world football right now, but Diomande is as good as I've seen; he's so explosive,” Cole said via Paddy Power. “My advice to him as a young player is, don't bother going to PSG. Go to Liverpool because if they want you and there's a hole in the team to play, then they really need you.”
Cole acknowledged that Diomande may prefer PSG but stressed that Liverpool would be the best fit. The Reds have made a verbal offer of £86m for Diomande, which was rejected by RB Leipzig, who are holding out for a fee of £112m.
Impact on Liverpool's Summer Plans
With Iraola yet to make further signings after Munoz, the pursuit of Diomande and Bouaddi could define Liverpool's transfer window. The club's reported willingness to pay £86m for Diomande signals intent, but Leipzig's £112m demand may test Iraola's resolve. Meanwhile, Bouaddi's price tag, potentially exceeding £100m, could spark a bidding war among Premier League clubs. As pre-season begins, Liverpool fans await further developments in these high-stakes negotiations.
