SportsView

·28 June 2026

Manchester United are reportedly among the clubs keeping tabs on Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, as per journalist Fabrice Hawkins.

The Red Devils are said to be exploring options to strengthen their midfield, and the young Moroccan talent has emerged as a potential target for the Old Trafford outfit.

Bouaddi has drawn attention with his performances at the 2026 World Cup, where he has anchored Morocco’s midfield with composure and maturity well beyond his age.

However, Lille have placed a hefty price tag on their rising star, demanding a transfer fee in the range of €80 to €100 million. Additionally, the French club are insisting that any buyer should agree to loan the player back for another season, as they are not looking to replace him immediately.

It remains uncertain whether Manchester United or any other interested club will agree to such conditions.

Besides United, top European clubs such as Manchester City, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich are also reportedly monitoring Bouaddi’s situation.

Manchester United have already parted ways with Casemiro, whose contract expired, and have brought in Ederson to fill the gap. However, the long-term injury sustained by Manuel Ugarte could force the club to revisit the market in search of another defensive midfielder.

Despite Bouaddi’s undeniable talent, the financial and contractual demands could make the deal unappealing. Paying between €80 to €100 million for an 18-year-old, coupled with leaving him on loan for another year, represents a significant gamble for United.

At this stage, Manchester United need players capable of making an immediate impact on Michael Carrick’s squad rather than long-term prospects who would only arrive next year.

There is also the tactical question of fit. Although Bouaddi displays extraordinary poise and tactical intelligence, his playing style aligns more with that of a box-to-box midfielder than a dedicated holding midfielder.

He excels at progressing the ball, linking up play, and driving through central areas rather than sitting deep to shield the defence from opposition attacks.

If United’s goal is to find adequate cover for Ugarte, Bouaddi may not be the most suitable tactical option. A move for Andrey Santos, who appears surplus to requirements at Chelsea, might be a more practical and strategic choice for the Red Devils.