Fabrizio Romano has given an update on the future of Liverpool, Arsenal and PSG target Ayyoub Bouadi as the Moroccan teenager continues to shine at the 2026 World Cup.
Bouadi was one of the standout stars of this summer’s North American tournament, starting in the crucial first two games as Morocco reached the knockout stages and faced the Netherlands in the Round of 32.
Olivier Giroud, who played with the 18-year-old at French club Lille, hinted at a big move for him this summer: “We won’t see him at Lille next season. His transfer fee will be between 60 million and 70 million.
Football Fancast Verdict | |
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reliability | Arsenal and Liverpool are expected to sign new midfielders this summer. Last season, the Reds’ midfield was at times underfoot and could barely cover the defence, but Arsenal are hoping to ease the burden on Declan Rice, who played nearly 4,500 minutes, the equivalent of 50 full games, in all competitions. |
finances | Giroud’s valuation of €70m (approximately £60m) is in line with various reports regarding Lille’s demands this summer. Bouadi earns just £18,000 a week at Lille, so a move to one of the Premier League’s wealthier clubs would mean a significant pay rise. |
scouting | The teenager made 30 appearances in Ligue 1 last season, excelling in tackling (2 per game) and dribbling (1.1 per game). At the World Cup, he was praised for his athletic dribbling that allowed him to penetrate the narrow spaces in midfield, and at 6ft 1in, he boasts the physicality to compete in English soccer. |
impact | PSG’s interest will make life difficult for Premier League stakeholders. The reigning Champions League winners offer a huge salary, continued success domestically and a real route to stardom on the European stage. |
“What impressed me was his maturity and, first of all, a really healthy environment. He has a solid head in the sense that he is calm and confident. He is a gift to the team and Morocco must be very happy to have him.”
PSG calls Bouadi’s agent
Romano revealed on his YouTube channel on Saturday morning that the French giants have contacted his agent and are in the race to sign the Lille star.
“Manchester City are interested in Bouadi and I hear that PSG are also in contact with people close to the player.”
“Let’s see what happens with Bouadi. Arsenal and Liverpool had a meeting for this kid before the World Cup, so both clubs said they were already tracking him.”
Liverpool’s stars will be keeping an eye on what happens with Bouadi
One man watching this story keenly is Liverpool’s Curtis Jones, who fell down the pecking order under Arne Slott last season.
New manager Andoni Iraola typically only deploys two players in midfield behind a four-man attacking group, with Jones slotting behind Ryan Graven-Birch and Alexis Mac Allister in the battle for those two spots.
Should Bouadi arrive, Jones could be forced into a rumored move to Inter Milan, although offers for the 25-year-old have already been rejected.
The Serie A champions made a verbal offer of £21.7m for the 25-year-old, well below the Anfield club’s valuation of £34.6m.
It is the second time this year that the Reds have rejected interest from Inter, following an approach in January.
Liverpool are not expecting further negotiations at this stage given the huge difference in valuations between the two clubs, but a sale could open the door to a major move for Bouadi, both financially and in terms of team planning.
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