Ferdinand backs Bouaddi as top transfer target
Rio Ferdinand has urged Manchester United to sign Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who is valued at around £100 million and is also a target for Arsenal and Liverpool. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former Manchester United and England defender said he would '100 per cent' take the 18-year-old Lille star, calling him a 'conductor' who can control the tempo of a game.
Bouaddi's World Cup breakthrough
Bouaddi emerged as one of the standout players at the 2026 World Cup, helping Morocco reach the quarter-finals before losing 2-0 to France. The teenager impressed in midfield against Brazil, the Netherlands, and co-hosts Canada. According to Metro, his performances have drawn interest from several top European clubs, including Manchester City and Bayern Munich.
Transfer fee and loan-back possibility
Lille chairman Olivier Letang has indicated that Bouaddi would cost around £100 million, with the French club keen to keep him for at least another season. This could result in a transfer with an immediate loan back to Lille. United have already signed Andrey Santos from Chelsea and are close to securing Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, but are reportedly still in the market for a third midfielder.
Arsenal and Liverpool also interested
Arsenal may turn to Bouaddi if their pursuit of Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes fails, while Liverpool have also been linked. Ferdinand also named Arsenal defender William Saliba and Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola as players he would sign, with Barcola linked to both Arsenal and Liverpool.
