Liverpool are locked in a battle against Manchester City and Arsenal to sign World Cup star Ayyoub Bouaddi this summer.
Bouaddi has been impressive for Morocco – who will face the Netherlands in the last-32 – and looks likely to leave Lille this summer.
Competition for the 18-year-old’s signature is already fierce, but after claims that Liverpool have held talks with Bouaddi over a transfer, City have also emerged as a leading contender to snatch him away.
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Journalist Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed that the Etihad club are working on a deal, and are looking to strike an agreement which would see the midfielder stay at Lille for one more season before coming to England in 2027.
Man City want Bouaddi for 2027
Although Bouaddi already looks ready to play for one of Europe’s top teams, it should be remembered that he does not turn 19 until October. There is no rush for him to get there.
Speaking on his YouTube channel on Sunday morning, Romano revealed that City know this, but also recognise that coming in years down the line may be too late. Instead, the Citizens are looking to buy Bouaddi now before loaning him back to Lille for the 2026/27 season.
“Manchester City made contact with people close to the player, already some time ago,” said the transfer expert.
“The idea, according to my information, would be ‘let’s try to sign the player now for summer 2027’, so let the player stay at Lille for one more season then eventually go to Manchester City in 2027.
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“It’s not done, but Man City are trying to work on this structure of the deal. There are more clubs involved because Liverpool had meetings, Arsenal had meetings, many clubs are keen.
“Paris Saint-Germain are following the player, but why are they not closing for one of the best talents in the French league? Because, PSG’s priority this summer is at front and at the back. This is why they are not advancing for Bouaddi and why Man City are trying to take advantage and get the deal done.”
Liverpool do not need Bouaddi immediately
Though it can be frustrating for fans to have to wait for a big signing to arrive – think Naby Keita in 2017 – there is plenty of sense in Liverpool applying this same process to Bouaddi.
The Reds do need to improve their midfield next season, that is clear. But it is also possible that Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister return to their Premier League title-winning form under Andoni Iraola. Neither should be given up on.
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Liverpool may sell Curtis Jones, and a replacement will be needed, but it would be a lot to ask of an 18-year-old to come in and perform to that level.
Instead, the Reds can sign a more experienced replacement for Jones – our pick would be Angelo Stiller – sign Bouaddi up for 2027, and see how Mac Allister in particular gets on for another year.
With multiple clubs after Bouaddi, Lille will have a say in where he goes, and appealing to them and allowing them to keep the Moroccan for another year is certainly one way of doing that.
If City do end up going down this route and get ahead in the race, Liverpool’s circumstances mean there’s no reason they cannot match that plan.
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