United told how much they must pay to beat Real Madrid to French generational talent – report

Lille starlet Ayyoub Bouaddi signed a new deal this month, but that has done little to curb Manchester United’s interest in the young Frenchman. The Red Devils are looking to improve their midfield in 2026 following a mixed campaign so far. Ruben Amorim has deployed skipper and talisman Bruno Fernandes in a deeper role this season to good effect. However, United need more quality in the middle of the park, especially since Casemiro’s contract is up next summer and Kobbie Mainoo’s future remains uncertain. Recent reports have named Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, and Adam Wharton as options for the job, although it is believed that Bouaddi is also on the Premier League giants’ wish list. Already a first-team regular The French midfielder has been outstanding for Lille this season and is already a first-team regular for Bruno Genesio’s team. Still only 18, Bouaddi has registered 18 appearances in all competitions for the Ligue 1 club this season, 15 of which were starts. Ayyoub Bouaddi Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Ligue 114–14–1.043′ UEFA Europa League4––1–222′ Total18–15–1.265′ Source: Transfermarkt.The teenager’s performances have already endeared him to clubs across Europe, with a recent report relayed by The Peoples Person stating that Atletico Madrid are willing to offer €50 million for the player. Although Lille have now convinced the player to commit his future at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, it now appears that an exit cannot be entirely ruled out in 2026. Lille open to Bouaddi’s exit According to Foot Mercato, Lille are willing to let Bouaddi leave for €60 million, with United joined by Real Madrid, Inter Milan, PSG, Bayern Munich, Arsenal, and Juventus in the race. The Frenchman also has admirers in the Middle East. Lille president Olivier Létang has reportedly asked several football agents to bring offers for their young star. Meanwhile, the teenager’s rise has also ignited a war on the international front. Bouaddi, who has represented France at youth level, is eligible to play for Morocco, and the Atlas Lions are already working to convince him. However, it appears that Les Bleus manager Didier Deschamps has reached out to inform the youngster that he will be counted upon in the future. The saga only highlights Bouaddi’s rising stock in football, so the update about his future will be a huge boost to United’s plans. Final Thoughts Bouaddi could turn out to be a cheaper alternative to someone like Elliot Anderson, who is expected to cost over £100 million in 2026. With Kobbie Mainoo failing to convince Amorim and already linked with an exit, United need to inject a shot of youth into the middle of the park. The French midfielder represents a long-term investment who can also match the Red Devils’ short-term goals. The Red Devils, as such, are likely to keep a close watch on his situation in the coming months. Feature image Christof Koepsel via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.