Liverpool are facing a potential £100m-plus battle to sign Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, while club captain Virgil van Dijk is expected to remain at Anfield this season despite speculation over his future. The updates come as new manager Andoni Iraola shapes his squad following a summer of significant change.
Virgil van Dijk Staying Put
Van Dijk is reportedly staying at Liverpool this season, according to the Mirror. The 35-year-old Dutch centre-back is in the second year of a two-year extension he signed in April 2025. Despite rumours from TEAMtalk suggesting the Reds were prepared to evaluate offers for their skipper, Anfield sources have firmly rejected links to AC Milan and Fenerbahce. The club are preparing for the season ahead with their long-serving captain included.
Van Dijk played every minute of Premier League action last season and remains a vital figure. Widely regarded as one of the greatest centre-backs in English football, his loss would have rocked the dressing room.
£100m+ Valuation for Ayyoub Bouaddi
Liverpool and other suitors have been warned they may need to pay more than £100m to secure World Cup star Ayyoub Bouaddi. The 18-year-old midfielder has impressed for Morocco at the 2026 World Cup, helping the African nation reach the quarter-finals. He has three years left on his contract with Lille, giving the French club no urgency to sell.
Lille president Olivier Letang told Eurosport: “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.”
When asked about a valuation, Letang replied: “How to answer that question... Have I spoken, brought up the subject, given a figure? No, never. You have to look at his level. How much have players like [Elliot] Anderson [to Man City for £116m] or [Sandro] Tonali [to Spurs for £100m] been sold for, who are much older, but without room for improvement, so you have an idea of the value of Ayyoub.”
Speaking at the World Cup, Bouaddi said: “For the moment I'm only focused on the World Cup, I cannot answer to this right now. I'm really happy to know that some clubs are interested in me but for now I'm here focused on the World Cup with Morocco.”
Iraola’s First Transfer Window
Andoni Iraola replaced Arne Slot as Liverpool manager at the end of the season and has already secured a deal for Victor Munoz from Osasuna. The club have also parted ways with Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate. The summer window is expected to bring further changes as Iraola moulds his squad.
