Liverpool yet to make summer signing but linked with Morocco star Ayyoub Bouaddi
Ayyoub Bouaddi has been linked with a move to Liverpool (Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Liverpool could have the chance to land one of the World Cup's rising stars this summer.
Ayyoub Bouaddi is currently impressing for Morocco at the tournament, which is being held across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Andoni Iraola's side have not yet completed their first signing of the transfer window, but are already being linked with several names as potential additions. Bouaddi is one player whose name has emerged in transfer speculation over recent days.
Fabrizio Romano has recently reported that Liverpool, along with Arsenal, have had "direct contact" with Bouaddi's representatives regarding a possible move this summer. Additional reports have also indicated that Paris Saint-Germain may be interested in the 18-year-old midfielder, who is under contract with Lille until the summer of 2028.
Ayyoub Bouaddi has impressed with Morocco at the World Cup and could move to Liverpool (Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
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Liverpool are expected to prioritise the attacking department when it comes to additions this summer, but they may also look to assess their midfield options.
Iraola faces a significant challenge to restore Liverpool to competing for major trophies next season, in what will be his first campaign in the role after succeeding Arne Slot earlier this month.
Bouaddi has played in just one World Cup match so far and delivered an outstanding performance for Morocco as they secured a 1-1 draw with Brazil on Saturday evening in New Jersey.
Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi explained his reasoning behind the decision to hand Bouaddi a start in the nation's World Cup opener.
Ayyoub Bouaddi has been linked with Liverpool (Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
"It was not a risk to play him [Bouaddi] just because he's 18," Ouahbi told reporters, via ESPN .
"I only look at players' performance, not the age of the player. He could be 35, and if he plays well, he'll play, or 17.
"I'm not the guy to be afraid of playing youngsters, we were sure and certain that he'd have a big match, and so it wasn't a risk at all - it wasn't the kind of match for taking risks against Brazil.
"Maybe it's because he's a new player that everyone's got so excited, it was his first match at international level, an important match at his young age, but he's not short of experience."
The teenager operated in the holding midfield role for his country, and would undoubtedly have attracted interest from Europe's top clubs following his display.
The CIES Football Observatory currently values Bouaddi at up to €59million (£50m), while reports have suggested that Lille are demanding a fee closer to €70m (£60m).
Liverpool currently have Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, Florian Wirtz and Trey Nyoni among their midfield options but will also see Harvey Elliott return after his loan spell at Aston Villa .
Bouaddi would undoubtedly bring some defensive stability to Liverpool's midfield should he make the move to Anfield, and that could be exactly what the Reds need ahead of another busy campaign across four competitions.