Manchester United stance on Ayyoub Bouaddi revealed, Lille already ‘know’ one thing about wonderkid

Add as preferred source on Google

Manchester United’s midfield restoration project will commence in 2026, with Ineos already considering several options to upgrade in the middle.

It is far from a secret that Manchester United’s 2026 will be dominated by the midfield with potentially two new starters needed.

This explains why so many different midfielders are being linked, with United keen on the Premier League trio of Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson.

However, these three all have reported asking prices as high as £100m, United are also considering Angelo Stiller, with the German potentially available for just £35m.

Now, Ayyoub Bouaddi has emerged as another option for United.

Manchester United have Ayyoub Bouaddi on the midfield shortlist

Despite only being 18, Bouaddi is already one of the finest midfielders in France and soon to be the world.

Therefore it is only natural that the Lille prospect would be high on United’s list of targets.

Now, United in Focus understands, via Graeme Bailey, that United are absolutely keeping tabs on Bouaddi.

“Bouaddi is a special talent, and United are fully aware of him. When you talk about Adam Wharton, this is the French equivalent but is younger and has more top-flight experience”, Bailey explains.

“He fits the bill for what United want, he can play in the double-pivot but he is just a modern day top-class CDM – he can do everything, he really is that good.

“Lille love him, of course they do but they know he is going in the not too distant future. I am told Bouaddi is open what is next for him but he and his people are aware of the interest being showing, he is one of those special talents that is going to have his pick of clubs.”

Every club in Europe has been aware of Bouaddi since he was a teenager. Now he is a Champions League player and a 2026 step up looks likely.

• READ MORE: Who are INEOS? Exploring Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s billion-pound business

Manchester United must use Lille connection to sign Bouaddi

In the summer of 2024, United shocked Europe to sign Leny Yoro ahead of Real Madrid, bringing in the wonderkid defender, and he has since been on a gradual improvement trail.

Now, Bouaddi is the next super talent up at Lille and United must pull on the same connections to bring this 18-year-old into the club.

Bouaddi is Leny Yoro’s France U21 teammate and that relationship would be very impressive at United and within Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.

United will need Champions League football to convince Bouaddi, with the biggest clubs in Europe likely in the running, but if at all possible, he must be signed.

Bouaddi alongside Kobbie Mainoo would be a decade defining duo.