Ayyoub Bouaddi transfer agreement reached after Liverpool links as clubs wait in wings

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Liverpool is keeping an eye on the midfield market for potential additions, and Ayyoub Bouaddi has been among those linked with a switch to Anfield.Ayyoub Bouaddi has been linked with a transfer to Liverpool this summer(Image: (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images))Ayyoub Bouaddi's impressive showing at the World Cup has caught the attention of many clubs, including Liverpool, if reports are to be believed.The Reds are considering their options in the midfield market after struggles in the central ranks last season, though it's not a top priority as things stand. That has still led to some links, with Bournemouth's Alex Scott among those touted as a potential target, while Bouaddi is also another heavily linked player.The latter took the world by storm at the World Cup for Morocco, bossing the midfield at just 18, most notably against Brazil in his nation's opening match of the tournament.Considering his age profile, comfort on the ball, and physicality off the ball, it was always likely that Bouaddi would leave LOSC Lille over the summer transfer window, but his notoriety only increased during the tournament, and so too has his transfer price.With that in mind, as teams look to make a move, it's Manchester City that has jostled its way into the lead for the transfer battle in the final month of the market.Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg claims that Bouaddi has reached a full verbal agreement with the Premier League side over a potential move to the Etihad Stadium to kickstart the Enzo Maresca era.Content cannot be displayed without consentThe deal is far from done, as club-to-club negotiations still have to come to a close before a routine medical and a deal can then be signed, so the report adds that teams are still waiting in the wings to see if a move is possible.Liverpool could be in that group, but considering the potential transfer fee involved, it may be a switch that is extremely tough to get over the line this summer.It's a position that may not be top of the priority list for Liverpool, considering the strength in depth available.

Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, and Florian Wirtz are four options covering three main positions, while the remaining players in the central ranks are yet to have their futures decided.FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JULY 09: Ayyoub Bouaddi of Morocco looks during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between France and Morocco at Boston Stadium on July 09, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)Curtis Jones continues to be linked with an exit, which would remove an experienced senior option, but could raise funds for important deals to strengthen elsewhere in the team - such as on the wings or in the backline.Trey Nyoni could be his immediate replacement, having impressed during preseason, alleviating the need for a midfield arrival this summer.

Academy ace James McConnell is another who could play a role instead of being loaned out this season.That could mean Liverpool misses out on Bouaddi, while other areas of the team are concentrated on in the final month of the transfer window.