​Andoni Iraola faces a formidable assignment this summer. The Spaniard has just stepped in at Liverpool after leaving Bournemouth, where he achieved far more than expected and helped them secure a surprising sixth place. By contrast, the Reds underperformed, which led to Arne Slot’s departure and a narrow return to Champions League qualification for the Anfield club. That dip in form has sparked widespread talk about potential arrivals who could lift the team and help Liverpool reclaim their place among silverware contenders.
Many players who have been linked with a move to Anfield would significantly strengthen Liverpool’s squad, and the club is now reportedly holding talks with a talent they desperately need. Ayyoub Bouaddi stole the show at the 2026 World Cup this summer. The 18-year-old had only recently announced his decision to represent Morocco, despite having spent his career in France’s youth ranks. While some questioned that choice, it arguably proved to the world just how gifted he is. Before the tournament, Bouaddi already drew interest, but after the World Cup, several of Europe’s top clubs began monitoring his situation with Lille, according to a Football Insider update.
“Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal are all in talks to sign Lille and World Cup sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi this summer, sources have told Football Insider,” the outlet reported. “The Morocco international has emerged as a clear target for a wide array of Europe’s top clubs, and many are already in discussions with Lille over a deal.” The piece added that “Man City, Liverpool and Arsenal are all battling to land the 18-year-old midfielder this summer, but sources have indicated that it is currently an ‘open race’ for the starlet’s signature with no clear favourite.”
Since Fabinho’s departure, Liverpool have searched for a long-term successor to anchor their midfield. Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot have experimented with various options to fill that number six role, with Klopp even deploying Alexis Mac Allister there for an entire season. Slot’s gamble on using Ryan Gravenberch as the anchorman paid dividends in the 2024-25 season as Liverpool clinched the Premier League title, but in 2025-26 Gravenberch regressed and failed to meet those high standards, letting the squad down on several occasions.
This dip in form has prompted interest in several defensive midfielders, but Bouaddi stands out as the strongest candidate among them. The Moroccan talent is just 18 years old and has already featured in Ligue 1 since the age of 16. His passing ability, coupled with solid defensive contributions, marks him out as a player far more developed than his years would suggest. He plays with a maturity that belies his age, orchestrating play from midfield and contributing consistently without overexerting himself.
Of course, any transfer would require a substantial investment, and Bouaddi’s career trajectory promises any potential move would come with a hefty price tag. Still, for Liverpool, landing a player of Bouaddi’s prodigious talent could prove transformative. If the club can secure his services, the addition would not only address a pressing midfield vacancy but also inject a long-term, high-potential component into a squad seeking renewed domestic and European glory. As the summer unfolds, all eyes will be on how negotiations progress and whether Bouaddi indeed becomes the next piece in Liverpool’s ambitious puzzle.