While much of the soccer world was marveling at Ayyoub Bouaddi’s complete dominance over Brazil in Morocco’s World Cup opener, Manchester United’s front office was already on the phone. According to reports from Football FanCast, United have opened direct club-to-club talks with Lille for the 18-year-old midfielder — making them the only suitor so far to take that concrete step.
The move comes as United manager Michael Carrick looks to overhaul his midfield with as many as three new arrivals this summer. The club has already agreed a deal with Atalanta for Ederson and is locked in negotiations with West Ham for Mateus Fernandes. But the third spot remains open after deals for Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali fell through.
Why Bouaddi Suddenly Became the Priority Target
Until last week, Bouaddi was considered a long-term project — a gifted teenager with a high ceiling but still years away from his prime. Then Morocco kicked off its World Cup campaign against Brazil, and Bouaddi played Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes off the pitch. Literally. Casemiro was pulled at halftime, and Brazil struggled to maintain any control in the middle of the park.
The performance didn’t just turn heads — it triggered a bidding war. Arsenal, Liverpool, PSG, and Tottenham have all held talks with Bouaddi’s camp in recent weeks. But United’s willingness to act first, sources say, has given them pole position in the race.
The Price Tag Is Real — And Rising
Lille is expected to demand upward of £70 million for the teenager, and that number will only climb if he continues to shine on the World Cup stage. United executives have already inquired about the cost of the deal, according to Football FanCast, and believe Bouaddi would be open to joining Carrick’s project this summer.
The player’s balance and poise on the ball, paired with relentless work off it, have drawn comparisons to some of the best two-way midfielders in Europe. For United, who have lacked that kind of presence since Carrick himself was on the pitch, the fit feels almost too perfect.
What Comes Next
INEOS has not commented on the reports, and United have not confirmed any formal talks. But fans have already started tracking Bouaddi’s every touch at the World Cup, knowing full well that a breakout tournament could push his price — and the competition — even higher. Whether United can close the deal before other giants match Lille’s valuation remains to be seen, but for the first time in this transfer window, they look like the frontrunners for a reason.
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