Lille president confirms €100m Ayyoub Bouaddi asking price

As Manchester United search to improve their midfield this summer, Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi is a name that has consistently been linked as a target.

The 18-year-old is currently starring out in North America, as Morocco bids to win the 2026 World Cup, and is seen by his club as one of the best midfielders on the market.

A recent report from The Athletic revealed that Lille want €80 million (£69 million) to sell Bouaddi this summer.

Website Eurosport asked Lille President Olivier Letang about a similar reported price tag, from French outlet RMC, who announced that the club would be looking for a fee between €80 and 100 million to sell their star midfielder.

“A lot of clubs are interested in him, but very few can afford him today,” Letang proclaimed. “He is already one of the best midfielders in the world and still has a lot of room for improvement. He’s only 18 and the whole future ahead of him. He is focused on continuing to grow and winning everything.”

When pushed for a true or false answer on the price tag, Letang admitted, “How to answer this question… Did I speak, bring up the subject, give a number? No, never. You have to look at your level. How many players like [Elliot] Anderson or [Sandro] Tonali were sold, who are much older, but without room for improvement, so you have an idea of the value of Ayyoub, who has a unique profile at just 18 years old.”

Without putting all his cards on the table, the Lille President offered an honest response. And it’s only fair – this summer’s transfer market has been lucrative, with United target Elliot Anderson heading to Manchester City for a whopping £116 million, as well as Mateus Fernandes signing for Tottenham Hotspur for £85 million.

An early report linking Manchester United with Bouaddi revealed that Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool all shared interest in the 18-year-old’s services.

It’s set to be another hefty deal if the Red Devils wish to pull it off. After deciding against moves for Mateus Fernandes, Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali for significant prices, things aren’t looking up as United look to make their next signing.