Liverpool has to pay a lot for World Cup star Bouaddi: Lille keeps prices high

Liverpool have once again been linked to one of the most promising talents of the moment. 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi boosted his reputation with Morocco at the 2026 World Cup this summer, putting the Lille midfielder firmly on the radar of top European clubs.

According to Eurosport France, Lille chairman Olivier Létang has made it clear that Bouaddi's departure is only negotiable if a very high offer is made. He did not mention an exact price tag. "How should I answer that question... Have I talked about it, mentioned an amount? No, never," was his formal response. The message: anyone who wants Bouaddi will have to dig deep into their pockets.

Létang placed Bouaddi in the context of already expensive midfielders on the market and pointed out his unique profile at just 18 years of age. Lille thus emphasizes that the value of the teenager is not only in his current level, but especially in his growth potential.


For Liverpool, Bouaddi fits exactly into the well-known profile: young, technically skilled and with room to grow. The downside is the likely price level. A sum approaching £100m would represent one of the biggest expenditures in club history, turning a 'smart investment' into a strategic gamble.

The question is whether the potential, however clear, justifies such an expense. The market is sensitive to World Cup hype and scarcity, which can quickly derail amounts. Furthermore, Liverpool has several positions in the squad to manage; a mega deal for one teenager could hurt elsewhere in the team.

There is no doubt in anyone's mind that Bouaddi has what it takes to become an absolute top midfielder. Nor that Lille knows what it is doing by setting the bar high. If the price drops, an attempt is obvious. If Lille sticks to their guns, staying away could be the wisest choice for the balance in Liverpool's selection.