Manchester United are preparing to battle Manchester City and Arsenal for one of Europe’s most exciting young talents, Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, according to RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins.
Manchester United Join Race for €100m World Cup Star Ayyoub Bouaddi
The 18-year-old Moroccan has taken the World Cup by storm, anchoring his country’s midfield with remarkable maturity.
His dominant display against Brazil, where he recorded 86 touches and led Morocco in successful passes, has convinced Europe’s elite that he is ready for the next step.
United’s interest comes at a critical moment. Michael Carrick is rebuilding his midfield after Casemiro’s departure, and Manuel Ugarte’s serious knee ligament injury has left the squad short of options.
Bouaddi has been compared to Elliot Anderson, the midfielder United lost to Manchester City in a record £116m deal.
The teenager possesses exactly the profile Carrick values extremely comfortable on the ball, strong defensively, and imposing in the air at six-foot-one.
While he is not the most advanced creator, a partnership with Kobbie Mainoo could allow the Moroccan to focus on his defensive duties while Mainoo drives forward.
However, signing Bouaddi will not be straightforward. Lille value their academy product at €80-100m and prefer any sale to include a one-year loan back to the French club.
This condition could deter United, who need immediate reinforcements rather than expensive long-term investments.
Manchester City, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich are all tracking the midfielder. Paris Saint-Germain are not in the race, having prioritised a winger instead.
With so many giants circling, any formal bid is likely to trigger an auction that pushes the price towards Lille’s €100m asking price.
For now, Bouaddi remains one of the most talked-about players at the World Cup, and United know they must act decisively if they want to beat their rivals to his signature.
