​Lille OSC president Olivier Létang has voiced his belief that Ayyoub Bouaddi, the 18-year-old midfielder drawing intense interest from the Premier League, should remain with his formative club for another year. Even before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Bouaddi has been a coveted talent. Having already featured in the UEFA Champions League at the age of 16, he has attracted the attention of top European clubs, with Premier League sides among the strongest suitors. Yet his performances for Morocco, especially the standout display against Brazil in North America, have significantly boosted his market value. In light of his form, LOSC now reportedly values Bouaddi at €100 million, according to The Athletic.
The Athletic’s report, published earlier in the week, also indicated that Manchester City are “pushing hard” to secure Bouaddi’s signature. Arsenal and Manchester United are said to be involved in the pursuit as well, while Paris Saint-Germain are not currently looking to recruit a midfielder this summer. If a deal were to go through, Manchester City would presumably want Bouaddi on a long-term basis rather than loaning him back to Lille, a scenario that could complicate negotiations.
Amid the ongoing transfer chatter, Létang spoke at a press conference on Thursday, reiterating his view that Bouaddi should spend another season at Stade Pierre Mauroy. “We have seen each other since his return from the World Cup. I can’t say what was said. Everything is possible, but my opinion is that he should stay with us another season. My conviction is that there is a strong chance that he stays with us and he would be very happy to do so,” Létang stated.
Bouaddi’s rise has been rapid, with the teenager already proving himself on big stages for both club and country. His club future remains under intense scrutiny as European giants plot their approaches, while Lille continue to weigh the best path for his development. The next steps will depend on Bouaddi’s own aspirations, the club’s strategic plans, and the evolving interest from Europe’s top teams as the transfer window progresses.