Lewis Steele: Liverpool facing major battle to sign World Cup midfielder

Lewis Steele: Liverpool facing major battle to sign World Cup midfielder Liverpool Monitoring Ayyoub Bouaddi as Midfield Plans Take Shape Liverpool’s transfer focus may currently be fixed on RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande, but another name emerged during the latest episode of Media Matters on Anfield Index. While discussing Liverpool’s wider recruitment strategy, journalist Lewis Steele and host Dave Davis examined the club’s reported interest in Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi . The conversation offered an intriguing insight into how Liverpool’s midfield planning may develop once attention shifts away from attacking reinforcements. Competition Creating Difficult Path Bouaddi’s name surfaced when Davis referenced recent reports linking Liverpool with the talented Moroccan youngster following his impressive displays at the World Cup. Steele confirmed that Liverpool’s admiration for the player is genuine. “I think it’s clear that they like him.” However, he was equally clear that Liverpool are currently some way from being favourites in the race. “I think it’s also clear that there’s a lot of competition for his signature.” That distinction is important. While Liverpool’s pursuit of Diomande has been characterised by confidence and extensive groundwork, Steele painted a different picture regarding Bouaddi. “At the moment it seems to be that Liverpool are not at the top of the list for him.” The midfielder’s growing reputation across Europe appears to have created a crowded market, making any potential move significantly more complicated. Summer Priorities Remain Elsewhere One of the most revealing parts of the discussion centred on Liverpool’s overall transfer strategy. Steele suggested the club’s extensive workload this summer may limit how aggressively they pursue Bouaddi, despite their admiration for the player. “Liverpool are unsure whether he would be the priority in a summer where they’ve got to do so much else.” That comment reflects the broader reality facing Liverpool’s recruitment team. The club are actively pursuing Diomande, assessing midfield options, considering defensive reinforcements and managing several potential departures. In that context, Bouaddi appears to be an attractive opportunity rather than an immediate priority. Steele offered an interesting comparison between Liverpool’s standing in the race for Diomande and their position regarding the Lille midfielder. “We said they’re in the driving seat for Diomande, they’re more sort of lurking in the back of the car for Bouaddi.” It was perhaps the most memorable line of the discussion and neatly summed up Liverpool’s current position. Photo: IMAGO Midfield Market Growing More Expensive The Bouaddi conversation formed part of a wider discussion about the increasingly inflated midfield market. Steele highlighted several midfielders attracting enormous valuations across Europe and suggested Liverpool are fully aware of the financial challenge ahead. Speaking about Bouaddi specifically, he noted: “Bouaddi who’s obviously very talented, but he’s only really got a season or two of experience.” Even so, the midfielder is already commanding significant interest and a substantial valuation, underlining how difficult the market has become. Steele later added: “These midfielders aren’t cheap.” That reality could influence Liverpool’s decision making as they weigh up whether Bouaddi represents the best use of resources compared to alternative targets. Long Term Interest Worth Watching While there was no suggestion that a deal is imminent, Steele left little doubt that Liverpool’s scouting department appreciates Bouaddi’s qualities. “I think it’s definitely true to say that they like him.” The question is whether admiration develops into concrete action. For now, Liverpool’s immediate focus remains securing Diomande and addressing other key areas of the squad. Yet the discussion on Media Matters made one thing clear, Bouaddi remains firmly on Liverpool’s radar. Whether the Reds eventually move from interested observers to serious contenders may depend on how the rest of the transfer window unfolds. Based on Steele’s assessment, Liverpool are watching closely, but they are not currently leading the race for one of Europe’s most promising young midfield talents.