Liverpool now 'in talks' to sign 18-year-old sensation

Liverpool now 'in talks' to sign 18-year-old sensation Andoni Iraola has a tough challenge to take on this summer. The Spaniard has just joined Liverpool from Bournemouth where he managed to massively over-achieve and finish in sixth place. On the other hand, the Reds under-performed which led to Arne Slot getting sacked and the Anfield outfit only just managing to qualify for the Champions League. This lack of form has led to several players being linked with an Anfield switch to try and give Liverpool the boost that they need to start competing for silverware again. Almost every player that has been linked would improve the Reds' ranks massively and now, the Anfield outfit are actually in talks with a player that they desperately need. Liverpool are 'in talks' with Ayoub Bouaddi about a potential move Ayyoub Bouaddi took the 2026 World Cup by storm this summer. The 18-year-old only just declared that he was going to play for Morocco a couple of weeks before the tournament started despite featuring in France's youth ranks throughout the rest of his career. And, although some people may have questioned this, it's arguably the best thing that he could've done as it proved to the world how talented he actually was. Before the tournament, there was already a decent amount of interest in him but, after the World Cup, some of the Premier League's biggest teams are now vying for his transfer. That is, if an update from Football Insider is to be believed. "Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal are all in talks to sign Lille and World Cup sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi this summer, sources have told Football Insider," they wrote. "The Morocco international has emerged as a clear target for a wide array of Europe's top clubs, and many are already in discussions with Lille over a deal. "Man City, Liverpool and Arsenal are all battling to land the 18-year-old midfielder this summer, but sources have indicated that it is currently an "open race" for the starlet's signature with no clear favourite." Ayoub Bouaddi would be an incredible acquisition for Liverpool Ever since Fabinho left Liverpool, the Premier League outfit have struggled to find a long-term replacement. Instead, Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot were forced to use many different options as their number six with Klopp even using Alexis Mac Allister there for an entire season. Indeed, Slot's gamble to use Ryan Gravenberch as his number six paid off during the 2024-25 campaign when they won the Premier League but, during the 2025-26 season, he was a fraction of his former self and let his squad down on multiple occasions. This lack of form has led to several defensive midfielders being linked with an Anfield switch but, Bouaddi would easily be the best pick of the bunch . The Moroccan is only 18 years old and has featured in Ligue 1 games since he was 16. His ability to pick out a pass and his defensive contributions are top notch and, even though he's still so young, he plays as if he's much older. Obviously, any deal would require a huge chunk of change to be spent but, of all the players Liverpool have been linked with this summer, it feels like Bouaddi would be worth every penny spent on him.