Liverpool are in the Race to Sign 20-year-old Wonderkid
Liverpool are intensifying their interest in Watford winger Othmane Maamma after another high-level scouting mission at Vicarage Road, as first reported by TeamTalk, who deserve credit for breaking the story. Representatives from Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle United were present on Thursday to monitor the 20-year-old, underlining growing Premier League competition for the Championship’s award-winning breakout talent.
The Merseyside club’s recruitment team, working closely with Premier League winning manager Arne Slot, have tracked Maamma repeatedly since his stellar Under-20 World Cup campaign in Chile, where he “was named the Golden Ball winner for best player.” TeamTalk state that “it is not the first time they have checked on him,” a point that reinforces Liverpool’s sustained belief in the player’s long-term upside.
Liverpool’s Strategic Fit Under Slot
Liverpool’s interest aligns with a wider tactical evolution under Slot. Having delivered the Premier League title in his debut season, the Dutchman has continued reshaping the squad’s attacking profile this term, even with the club currently sitting fourth in the table amid a congested Champions League qualification battle. Liverpool want dynamic wide forwards who offer flexibility, and Maamma fits that brief cleanly.
As TeamTalk describe, Maamma is a “Two-footed winger” who “can play on either side and has done on a regular basis for Watford so far this term.” Liverpool value optionality, particularly with a forward line that increasingly demands rotation across domestic and European fronts. The fact Maamma is “two-footed” and “can play on either side” also reduces adaptation risk, especially for a young winger stepping up from the Championship.
Slot has previously emphasised the importance of unpredictability in wide areas, praising players who can manipulate defensive shapes. Maamma’s ambidexterity allows him to drive both outside and inside, a trait that would integrate well into Liverpool’s hybrid wide-forward roles, where wingers are often asked to become auxiliary playmakers or second strikers.
Liverpool’s Scouting Network Sends Message
Liverpool’s presence at Vicarage Road signals intent, not opportunism. TeamTalk revealed that “nearly a dozen clubs were watching him against Birmingham in the 3-0 triumph,” including Liverpool, Man Utd and Newcastle. That level of attendance, especially for a player signed for “less than £1million,” emphasises how sharply Maamma’s value has risen since his World Cup performances “really propelled him into the thinking of a number of clubs.”
Liverpool’s recruitment model has leaned increasingly towards early identification of emerging wide forwards before market inflation peaks. Their repeat scouting of Maamma supports the view that he is being evaluated as a priority target, rather than a passing name on a long shortlist.
TeamTalk also note interest from Brighton, Brentford and Sunderland, confirming that competition stretches beyond traditional top-six rivals. Yet Liverpool’s combination of sporting appeal, development pathway, Champions League pull and established record of nurturing young attackers gives them a compelling edge.
Transfer Dynamics, Watford Stance, Market Reality
Watford’s position is clear. They are “not planning a January sale,” according to TeamTalk, but acknowledge “it would be hard to turn down a huge profit on the Moroccan if someone tabled an offer.” With a sub-£1million purchase price from Montpellier, any bid approaching double-digit millions would represent transformative business for Watford.
Liverpool are well-placed to act decisively in the summer market, when a structured approach to negotiations becomes easier. A January move appears unlikely, but continued scouting suggests Liverpool want to be positioned at the front of discussions once the window reopens.
Liverpool sources close to the club’s recruitment strategy believe Maamma’s ceiling is higher than his current Championship platform, with one scout privately noting, “he has the tools to become a difference-maker at Premier League level, his two-footedness, maturity in duels and adaptability give him a rare developmental base.”
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
Liverpool fans reading this report will feel a mix of excitement and urgency. The club’s repeated scouting of Maamma confirms that Liverpool see something real here. After losing out on a couple of rising wide forward targets in recent seasons, supporters will want the club to move early and assertively this time.
Under Slot, Liverpool have evolved into a side that rewards technical flexibility, speed of thought and wide unpredictability. Maamma’s profile screams Anfield potential. Two-footed, positionally fluid and internationally recognised at youth level, he fits the recruitment identity Liverpool have sharpened since Slot arrived.
Even though Liverpool sit fourth this season, the club remain competitive across all major competitions, and squad depth will be critical if they are to push beyond fourth and challenge higher in the Premier League run-in. Supporters will also note that both Manchester United and Newcastle continue scouting him, clubs that can offer Premier League football and financial strength. That rivalry element only heightens fan desire to land him first.
The fee Liverpool might eventually pay will look enormous compared to Watford’s initial outlay, but the risk-reward balance still leans heavily in Liverpool’s favour. If the club can structure a summer move, offer a clear development pathway, and integrate him gradually rather than expecting instant dominance, this could be another smart wide-forward investment that pays off for years.
Fans will ultimately trust Liverpool’s scouting judgement, especially when the club show this level of sustained attention. The key now is execution. Interest is only valuable if followed by decisive action when the moment comes.
