Ayyoub Bouaddi promises to be one of the world’s leading midfielders over the next decade and longer, with Manchester United in the race.
With 2026 set to see almost a midfield revolution for Manchester United, Ineos will surely have Ayyoub Bouaddi positioned high up in the internal shortlist.
United were first linked with Bouaddi last season, with the then 17-year-old seen as arguably the biggest midfield prospect in world football.
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This season, United in Focus revealed that United were keeping tabs on Bouaddi as the Frenchman went from strength to strength in midfield for Lille.
Bouaddi has it all to be a world-class midfielder, and there is certain to be a lot of interest in him next summer.
Manchester United target Ayyoub Bouaddi signs new contract
Bouaddi is the best-case scenario for Ineos’ wonderkid recruitment model in terms of a midfield signing, but this is also true for the rest of Europe.
It has been claimed by the French outlet RMC Sport over recent days that United are alongside Manchester City and Liverpool in keeping a close eye on Bouaddi, as are PSG.
In this report, it was added that Bouaddi only had a year and a half on his contract, something that might have led to a cheaper deal, but now the wonderkid’s situation has changed.
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Hours after this report, Lille reacted by announcing that Bouaddi had signed a new contract.
A two-year extension, which in theory will keep him at the club until 2029, although this is unlikely.
Lille will still be preparing to sell Ayyoub Bouaddi
While a contract extension is good news for the French side, it doesn’t mean that he will be remaining at the club long term.
Instead, Lille are merely protecting their most valuable asset to avoid having to sell him for cheap next summer.
There might even be a release clause in this new contract for Bouaddi, although he also could benefit from more time in Ligue 1 to develop before being completely ready for a step up.
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