Liverpool is leading a high-stakes pursuit of Ayyoub Bouaddi, an 18-year-old central midfielder at LOSC Lille. The young talent has ignited a bidding war among Europe’s elite, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and PSG all vying for his signature.
Bouaddi, who made his senior debut in 2023, carries a market value of €50 million. However, Lille is refusing to part with him cheaply. The club previously rejected a €60 million offer from Arsenal in June 2026. Management is now seeking a minimum of €70 million, with ambitions to push the final fee beyond €80 million-a figure that would rival their record sale of Nicolas Pépé.
Lille holds significant leverage due to Bouaddi’s contract extension signed in December 2025, which runs through June 2029. President Olivier Letang remains open to negotiations, but the financial bar has been raised considerably. No confirmed bids have surpassed Arsenal’s initial rejection.
The midfielder represents France at the youth level but retains eligibility for Morocco at the senior stage. His profile fits Lille’s proven model of developing world-class talent before commanding premium fees, following the trajectories of Eden Hazard, Victor Osimhen, and Jonathan David.
For Liverpool, securing Bouaddi requires overcoming a steep financial hurdle. The rejected €60 million bid sets a floor rather than a ceiling. Any club hoping to land the player must prepare to offer substantially more, likely exceeding the €80 million threshold to satisfy Lille’s valuation.