Club president points to nine-figure Anderson and Tonali fees in Liverpool deal for midfield 'Einstein'

The midfielder market doesn’t appear to make sense at the minute.

The Premier League has seen money-spinning deals concluded for the likes of Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali in recent days.

Anderson, 23, moved to Manchester City from Nottingham Forest for around £116m. And Tonali joined Tottenham from Newcastle for a club-record £100m. Others - such as Adam Wharton and Alex Scott - are also being mentioned in this nine-figure bracket.

All of the above have been linked with a move to Liverpool - a club determined to do midfield business this summer but are determined to not overpay.

Bouaddi won't be sold cheaply warns club president

But these high prices have not gone unnoticed across the continent - particularly at Lille where club president Olivier Letang has been discussing Ayyoub Bouaddi.

The 18-year-old has risen to prominence for LOSC over the past couple of seasons but his profile has gone stratospheric in recent weeks.

Bouaddi has declared for Morocco over France - playing a significant role in the Atlas Lions’ run to the quarter-finals of the ongoing FIFA World Cup.

Bouaddi 'already one of the best' midfielders

Lille have got their star midfielder contracted until 2029 - placing them at ease over a potential transfer - and the club exec insists the Ligue 1 side won’t be shortchanged in any deal for the Liverpool target.

“Many clubs are interested in him, but very few can afford him right now,” he told Eurosport.

“He's already one of the best midfielders in the world and still has significant room for improvement. He's only 18 and has his whole future ahead of him. “He's focused on continuing to develop and winning everything.

“You have to look at his level. How much have players like Anderson or Tonali been sold for, who are much older but without room for improvement, so you have an idea of ​​the value of Ayyoub, who has a unique profile at only 18 years old.”

President compares Bouaddi to Cruyff and Einstein

Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea are also thought to be keen on signing Bouaddi - who could be left on loan at Lille for the 2026/27 season as part of any outbound deal.

The interview concluded with Letang being asked to make a “composite sketch” of Bouaddi - putting him in the bracket with some very esteemed names.

“I could mention Rodri, Sergio Busquets, (Johan) Cruyff, (Albert) Einstein, (Lothar) Matthäus, etc,” the club president said.

“But Ayyoub is unique and is himself, so he shouldn't be compared.”