Liverpool dealt major transfer blow after Fabrizio Romano’s latest update

Photo: IMAGO
By Zachary Lewis
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Liverpool Face Manchester City Competition After Fabrizio Romano Transfer Update

Liverpool’s interest in Ayyoub Bouaddi has gained another layer of intrigue after Fabrizio Romano reported that Manchester City have held initial talks over a possible move for the Lille midfielder.

The 18-year-old has emerged as one of the most watched young midfielders in Europe, with his performances for Morocco at the 2026 FIFA World Cup only sharpening the focus around his future. Liverpool have been credited with firm interest, while City are now understood to be exploring whether a deal can be structured for the longer term.

Romano wrote on X: “Manchester City held initial talks for Ayyoub Bouaddi as potential target for the future. There are 4 clubs involved, PSG not advancing yet having different top priorities. Man City keen on Bouaddi with possible plan to let him stay at Lille until start of season 2027/28.”

For Liverpool, now under Andoni Iraola after Arne Slot’s departure on May 30 2026, the midfield market is expected to be a key part of their summer thinking. Bouaddi fits the profile of a player who could grow into a major role, rather than arrive as a finished article.

Liverpool Interest Remains Significant

Liverpool officials are believed to have monitored Bouaddi during the World Cup group stage, where his display against Brazil strengthened an already growing reputation. His composure, physical maturity and ability to handle pressure in central areas have made him one of the tournament’s standout young talents.

Lille are thought to value Bouaddi at around €70m, approximately £60.3m, which reflects both his age and potential. That figure would be a major commitment, especially if Liverpool are also assessing other midfield options.

A deal may not be straightforward. Lille are expected to favour either a loan-back arrangement for next season or a pre-agreement that allows Bouaddi to remain in France for another year. That kind of structure could suit Manchester City, according to Romano’s update, and may appeal to other clubs trying to manage squad spaces and financial planning.

Bouaddi Keeps Focus On Morocco

Bouaddi has been careful not to encourage speculation while Morocco remain at the World Cup.

“For the moment, I am only focused on the World Cup and I cannot answer to this right now,” he said.

“Of course, I’m really happy to know that some clubs are interested in me.”

“But, for now, I’m only focused on the World Cup with Morocco and we will try to give everything to do our best.”

Photo: IMAGO

Those comments are exactly what clubs would expect from a player in his position. Publicly, the message is focus. Privately, the level of interest around him appears to be accelerating.

Midfield Battle Could Shape Liverpool Summer

The key question for Liverpool is whether they view Bouaddi as a priority investment or a player to track while more immediate needs are addressed.

Manchester City’s presence matters because they have shown a willingness to buy elite young talent early, then allow development plans to unfold patiently. Liverpool, by contrast, may need midfield reinforcement that can influence Iraola’s first season more quickly.

Still, Bouaddi’s ceiling makes him difficult to ignore. If Liverpool believe he can become one of Europe’s leading midfielders, hesitation could prove costly.

For now, Fabrizio Romano’s update places Manchester City firmly in the conversation, while Liverpool remain one of the clubs watching closely. Bouaddi’s World Cup performances have changed the tempo of this race, and Lille may soon find themselves at the centre of one of the summer’s most competitive transfer pursuits.

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