Liverpool will be watching a young Moroccan midfielder closely at the World Cup

Credit: GOAL

The midfield appears to be an area Liverpool is focused on this summer. Names like Alex Scott, Sandro Tonali, and Adam Wharton are being linked with a move to Merseyside as the club goes in a different direction from last year. 

It was all about bolstering the attack in the summer of 2025, while this time around, providing defensive cover seems to be a top priority.

The World Cup is an ideal benchmark for scouts and managers to see how some young talents may perform under such a pressure-packed tournament. Ayyoub Bouaddi is among those garnering plenty of attention from clubs like Liverpool.

Ayyoub Bouaddi is ready for a big move

He’s only 18, yet Bouaddi looks like a veteran on the pitch, showing maturity well beyond his years. Last season, the defensive and central midfielder flourished under Bruno Génésio’s setup at Lille, showing tremendous poise and tactical intelligence in his 30 Ligue 1 appearances in 2025-26. While he has yet to find the back of the net in the French top-flight, he is a reliable, positionally sound player on the pitch. He has earned over 60 caps in Ligue 1 with Les Dogues.

Bouaddi finished second on his team for recoveries per 90 in Ligue 1 last season (5.8) according to FotMob. His physicality was on full display as he wound up second at Lille for tackles per 90 (2.3), never looking intimidated despite his age. The young Moroccan is particularly strong in press resistance, with the rare ability to evade high presses almost seamlessly while emerging from his share of tight situations with a high pass accuracy.

Although he had only one assist domestically last season, Bouaddi showed that he was more than capable of picking out forward players down the field, with a 75.5% accuracy on long balls and creating over 20 chances per FotMob. Meanwhile, he won over 60% of his aerial duels while his side collected seven clean sheets when he was on the field.

His age, physicality, and rare technical ability defensively have caught the attention of English clubs. In addition to Liverpool, Manchester United, and Premier League champions Arsenal, are also reportedly in the mix to add the French-born midfielder to their side this summer.

Ayyoub Bouaddi’s preferred destination

While there is competition for his services, it seems as though Liverpool is at the top of Bouaddi’s wish list. His favourite club is Paris Saint-Germain, though the reigning two-time Champions League winners appear to be focused on addressing a different position.

Of the potential suitors in England, it’s believed that the Reds are his first choice. The club reportedly held talks with his agents just a few weeks ago after being offered a deal to sign him. Last December, he signed an extension with Lille through until 2029. That said, the French side is reportedly open to selling him if the price is right. Their asking price is said to be €65 million. The youngster and his representatives have reportedly also had talks with the Gunners, Man United, and Liverpool, while he doesn’t appear eager to come to Old Trafford.

Ayyoub Bouaddi will be monitored closely at the World Cup

Already at the World Cup, he has made a strong impact playing the full 90 minutes against Brazil for Morocco in their opener. He showed a strong passing range while also making six recoveries against the five-time world champions. Meanwhile, he held his own against some talented and experienced Brazilians like Casemiro, Fabinho, and Lucas Paqueta.

Many prominent former footballers have been impressed by the young Moroccan. Former Ireland and Man United midfielder Roy Keane recently called his performance against Brazil the best at the World Cup.

Former Arsenal midfielder and World Cup winner with France, Emmanuel Petit, is not surprised at the level of interest for Bouaddi. He believes “it will be a fierce battle to get him.”