Richard Hughes is ready to fight for record €80m midfielder deal

Liverpool are eyeing up big midfield changes this summer.

We could see Alexis Mac Allister depart for pastures new - with the Argentina FIFA World Cup winner under contract until 2028 and no sign of a new deal on the horizon.

Curtis Jones is also the subject of strong transfer interest - with Inter Milan and others hoping to conclude a deal for the Scouse playmaker. Any outgoings are likely to be complemented by incoming deals - with several star names lined up by Reds recruiters.

Offers pouring in for Bouaddi

Adam Wharton and Alex Scott are among the Premier League names associated with an Anfield arrival - while Aurelien Tchouameni from Real Madrid has already been linked.

Don’t discount the ability of the Reds’ sporting director Richard Hughes to fight off interest from elsewhere however when it comes to doing a deal for Lille’s FIFA World Cup breakout star Ayyoub Bouaddi.

That’s according to a new report in AS - which claims offers are now pouring in for the Morocco international from Europe’s top clubs including Liverpool.

Richard Hughes is fighting for Bouaddi

“Offers for the player are pouring into Lille's offices,” the report reads.

“Much of the Premier League, PSG, Real Madrid, and Barcelona are closely monitoring Morocco's new star.

“PSG, who have been on the lookout for young French talent for some time, as demonstrated with Barcola and Doué, are keen to sign him.

“They are not the only ones interested, as Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool, leading the pack of English clubs, have inquired with Lille about his price.

“They don't want to miss out on the rising Moroccan star.

“Real Madrid have been monitoring him for some time, as this newspaper has reported. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich and Serie A clubs are watching with interest.”

Lille’s record fee is the £72m they got from Arsenal for Nicolas Pepe back in 2019 - and they could cash in even higher on Bouaddi.

“They have already set a price of around €80 million for the Moroccan international, an amount that would equal their highest-ever transfer fee,” the report claims.

Ayyoub Bouaddi: Situation summary

Ayyoub Bouaddi is an 18-year-old right-footed Morocco international midfielder at Lille, already logging significant Ligue 1 and European minutes and featuring at the 2026 World Cup.

Standing around 1.85–1.86m, he blends physical presence with unusual composure for his age, underpinned by a strong academic background and reputation as a thoughtful character off the pitch.

On the pitch, Bouaddi profiles as a modern number 6 who can also operate as an 8, dictating tempo from deep with high pass completion and the ability to receive under pressure.

Press-resistant, secure in tight spaces and aggressive in duels, he excels in build-up and progression but still lacks real end product in terms of goals and shots, something even teammates highlight as his next big development step.

Contracted to Lille until 2029, he is viewed as a blue-chip asset likely to move for upwards of 60–70 million euros.

A big transfer feels imminent, with Arsenal, Liverpool and Real Madrid all monitoring him closely after his Champions League and World Cup performances, and there is a growing expectation he leaves Ligue 1 for a Champions League giant in the next window or two.

🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas home range

👉🏻 Michael Edwards is about to do it again, brilliant Liverpool transfer on the horizon

👉🏻 You can't make it up, Liverpool about to agree outrageous deal