The 18-year-old was the talk of social media after his outstanding performance in Morocco’s tournament opener against Brazil, where he overshadowed the established midfield duo of Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes. Both those players spent last season in the Premier League, and now Lille midfielder Bouaddi is attracting the attention of the biggest clubs in England and Europe.
“Anyone who has watched him at Lille knows his level,” said former Morocco international Hassan Kachloul. “He is regarded as a top prospect. Against players like Casemiro, Lucas Paqueta and Bruno Guimaraes, he showed not just quality but personality – a kind of positive arrogance. He had confidence, a great aura and a strong presence on the pitch. He thrives in that environment.”
“Manchester City lead chase for 18-year-old Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi after his dazzling World Cup display against Brazil.”
The 6ft 1in midfielder’s eye-catching performances mean he is being monitored by Manchester City, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris St-Germain. City have already agreed a club-record deal to sign England international Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116m, and could further bolster their midfield with the addition of Bouaddi. Sources have told BBC Sport the youngster features on City’s list of targets, and Kachloul feels Lille may have to sell to the highest bidder “if the player wants to move”.
Bouaddi, born north of Paris in Senlis, made his debut for Lille aged 16 years and three days and has since made 96 appearances for the French club. Last season he played more minutes and made more appearances than any player aged 18 or under in Europe’s top five leagues – a remarkable feat that has cemented his reputation.
Moroccan football journalist Amine el Amri offered a note of caution. “It is natural that a player that is having such a good World Cup is being linked with big clubs,” he said. “However, that makes it a delicate period in his development because he needs to keep his feet on the ground and not to be taken out of his context – he is 18 years old. Premier League clubs are now targeting younger players, it is not just about experience, it is how good you are in terms of footballing skill. It is also about physicality so I think he has got all those attributes.”