United’s pursuit of incredible midfield maestro rocked as Liverpool strike first – Fabrizio Romano

Manchester United are running out of time to strike a deal for Ayyoub Bouaddi as Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool storm ahead in the race for the 18-year-old midfielder, according to new reports. Moroccan Maestro Bouaddi is widely considered one of the premier prospects in Europe after a superb campaign at the heart of LOSC Lille’s midfield. Despite beginning last season as a 17-year-old, he is already demonstrating an appetite for the game – both on and off the ball – which belies his age. Bouaddi possesses a 6’1″ frame and an unrelenting engine, racking up the fourth-most minutes out of any teenager in Europe’s top five leagues. But these hard yards are matched by high-level technique as well, with the French-born youngster – who only officially switched his allegiance to Morocco last month – excellent at evading the press and quick interchange. All of this “elite” skillset was on full display in Morocco’s opening match of the World Cup against Brazil, which finished 1-1 despite the Atlas Lions dominating large parts. In the sweltering heat of New York, Bouaddi was the coolest player on the pitch, completely outplaying a Brazilian midfield unit containing both Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes, with the former United star substituted at half-time by Carlo Ancelotti. It was the type of breakout performance on football’s grandest stage that announces an unknown talent to the world, though the Lille starlet has been firmly on the radar of top clubs for many years now – including the Red Devils. On the hunt for midfield reinforcements this summer, INEOS have identified Bouaddi as a “younger prospect” alongside Greek wonderkid Christos Mouzakitis, though West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes is understood to be the priority target after a £39 million deal was already struck for Ederson. However, the Moroccan maestro looks to be the most gifted midfielder of the bunch, as shown by Arsenal and Liverpool both accelerating their interest in recent weeks. United getting left behind A report relayed by The Peoples Person earlier this month revealed Arsenal had seen a £52m bid for Bouaddi rejected by Lille, though The Times claims the Gunners, fresh from their first English title in 22 years, have only opened talks with Bouaddi’s camp. However, Fabrizio Romano also states Liverpool have initiated contact with his agents, while Paris Saint-Germain “absolutely love” him as well. Lille are understood to prefer to sell abroad rather than to a direct rival, limiting the Ligue 1 and European champions’ chances, while club-to-club negotiations are yet to be formalised by either side. It is believed Les Dogues are content to wait until Morocco’s tournament has concluded, as their asking price will grow accordingly with Bouaddi’s burgeoning reputation in North America. A three-and-a-half-year contract signed in December only strengthens their negotiating position. When asked about his future by The Athletic, Bouaddi maturely responded: “For the moment, I am only focused on the World Cup and I cannot answer to this right now, Of course, I’m really happy to know that some clubs are interested in me. But, for now, I’m only focused on the World Cup with Morocco and we will try to give everything to do our best.” Final Thoughts United maintain an excellent working relationship with Lille, having stolen a march on both Real Madrid and PSG to sign Leny Yoro for £52m in the summer of 2024. Old Trafford’s hierarchy will need to repeat this trick quickly and decisively if they are to fend off their domestic rivals to sign the French club’s next outstanding offering. 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 Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.