Liverpool’s squad planning under Andoni Iraola is well underway as they aim to fine-tune their squad under the new manager.
Ayyoub Bouaddi has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield, but Fabrizio Romano claims the Moroccan midfielder is in talks to join Manchester City.
Liverpool’s midfield looks decent on paper, with Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones all usable options, among others.
However, Iraola is likely to have a look at his options before dipping into the market, as that is an area of the pitch that can be improved.
If they want Bouaddi, though, they may need to move quickly as City are now firmly in the race.
Ayyoub Bouaddi wanted by Manchester City
Bouaddi has earned rave reviews for his performances in France and has become a key player for Lille.
He represented France in age-group football but opted to play for Morocco at senior level as the level of competition is too much in Didier Deschamps’ squad.
Bouaddi has also made a massive impression at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the Atlan Lions look to defy the odds once again on the grandest stage, as was the case in 2022.
And now, Romano claims Manchester City have held initial talks to sign Bouaddi, although other clubs remain interested.
The Italian transfer guru also claims there is a possibility of City signing the talented midfielder and sending him back on loan to Lille for the forthcoming season, which would help him further his development before moving to the big leagues.
Hard pass for Liverpool
This is nothing against Bouaddi’s ability, as he is clearly a wonderful player.
However, Ben Jacobs wrote on GiveMeSport that he could cost nearly £86m, which quite simply is an outrageous fee for Liverpool to part with.
The Reds have money to spend, but is that fee worth it for a rough diamond and a profile they necessarily don’t need?
The Reds are better off signing an out-and-out number six to play at the heart of Iraola’s midfield, so missing out on Bouaddi won’t be the end of the world.
Manchester City, though, have only held initial talks, so this one isn’t set in stone yet.
If Lille agree to sell Bouaddi for cheaper than their initial asking price, maybe it would make sense for Liverpool to re-enter the race.
In the current conditions, though, it simply doesn’t make sense as they also have other gaping holes to address in the squad.
