Liverpool are preparing for a significant midfield overhaul this summer, with key questions surrounding the futures of several current options. Curtis Jones, 25, remains out of contract in 2027 and there are no indications of a new deal being finalised. Wataru Endo is also approaching the final year of his agreement at the end of next season. Meanwhile, Arne Slot is receiving diminishing returns from Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, prompting the Premier League champions to explore fresh options in central midfield during the off-season.
One name that has consistently appeared on Liverpool’s radar over the past year is Lille’s teenage prodigy, Ayyoub Bouaddi. The 18-year-old French-Moroccan has rapidly established himself as a first-team regular under Bruno Genesio, progressing through the club’s academy after beginning his journey at AFC Creil. His performances have not gone unnoticed by the Premier League elite.
At the weekend, Bouaddi delivered an impressive display as Lille secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory away at Marseille. Liverpool scouts were present in the stands to watch the match in person, alongside representatives from Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City. According to a TEAMtalk report, the 18-year-old remains firmly on Arsenal’s agenda ahead of the Carabao Cup final. However, Liverpool’s interest should not be underestimated; club staff have been particularly impressed by Bouaddi throughout the last 12 months.
“The 18-year-old has been firmly on the Gunners’ radar since before his senior breakthrough at Lille, though Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea are also keen,” the report states. “Liverpool also had representatives in attendance to watch Bouaddi in Lille’s victory, while officials connected to City Football Group – owners of Man City, and also BlueCo, the parent company of Chelsea – were also tracking the midfielder closely.”
Bouaddi’s showing at the Vélodrome drew glowing praise in France. Maxifoot declared: “The national team that manages to convince him to play will be very lucky!” The teenager stood out for his composure under pressure and in tight spaces, with excellent movement that allowed teammates to locate him between Marseille’s lines. While he squandered a late opportunity in stoppage time, the overall performance underlined his growing maturity.
Standing at around 1.85m and operating primarily as a central or defensive midfielder, Bouaddi is regarded within French football as one of the most promising teenage midfield prospects. He signed his first professional contract with Lille in 2023 and, following his swift development, extended it until 2029. The club have made clear that any interested party would need to pay in excess of €50 million to prise him away – a figure that grants Lille significant control over his future.
In the 2025/26 campaign, Bouaddi has already surpassed 1,200 competitive minutes. He has recorded one assist, maintained passing accuracy in the region of 85–90%, and produced strong underlying metrics both defensively and in ball progression, despite yet to score. His profile fits the mould of a combative yet forward-thinking pivot: aggressive in duels, proactive in pressing, and capable of breaking lines with progressive passes rather than simply recycling possession.
Several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United, have monitored the youngster closely. Yet Lille’s recent contract extension and substantial valuation position Bouaddi as a big-money, medium-term target rather than an immediate acquisition. For Liverpool, the combination of his physical presence, technical composure and tactical intelligence makes him an intriguing prospect as they look to refresh their midfield for the challenges ahead.
Whether the Moroccan-descended talent ultimately makes the move to Anfield remains to be seen, but the foundations have clearly been laid. Liverpool have watched, they want him, and it will take more than €50 million to stop this transfer from becoming a serious possibility. The 1.85m midfield general appears ready to take the next step and conquer the Premier League.