Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi has drawn intense transfer interest from elite European clubs following his breakout performances at the 2026 World Cup.
Lille OSC is demanding a premium fee for the 18-year-old talent.
Major clubs including Arsenal, Manchester City, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich are monitoring the player, according to reports from the BBC and RMC Sport.
Lille has placed a minimum price tag of 80 million euros on Bouaddi, with his valuation potentially reaching 100 million euros.
His current contract runs until mid-2029.
International Switch
Bouaddi recently chose to represent Morocco internationally despite rising through the French youth system from Under-16 to Under-21 levels.
The tactical switch came after French national team coach Didier Deschamps left the midfielder out of the World Cup squad, believing he was not fully prepared for the tournament.
Hubert Fournier, technical director of the French football federation, stated in an interview with The Athletic: "It is a talent that we have followed for years and we know he is a unique player.
It is a significant loss, but it is his choice."
Fournier noted that intense competition within the French squad limited immediate opportunities for the young midfielder during tournament preparations.
"He followed our selection procedures and played for France youth teams for a year and a half.
He was on the preliminary list, but we could not yet offer him the chance to participate in the World Cup.
The competition is fierce. Coach Didier Deschamps felt he was not quite ready and did not select him," Fournier explained.
Despite choosing Morocco, Bouaddi expressed no animosity toward the French system and emphasized his appreciation for his dual heritage.
"The World Cup is a dream come true. My choice in no way diminishes the pride and gratitude I feel toward France.
I am and will always be proud of my dual culture, my journey, and my roots," Bouaddi said.
The French federation continues to monitor his progression as Morocco prepares to face France in the World Cup quarterfinals on Thursday, July 9, 2026.
Fournier repeated to VoetbalPrimeur: "Bouaddi is a talent we have followed for years. We know there is no second Bouaddi in his age group.
It is a big loss for our federation, but it is his choice."
French officials expressed that they did everything possible to convince the midfielder, including multiple visits to his family before his international debut with the Atlas Lions.
"He went through all our selection procedures and understood he was on the preliminary list.
But we could not offer him the chance to go to the World Cup at this time," Fournier continued.
The technical director acknowledged that immediate playing time offered by Morocco ultimately swayed the player's final choice.
"It is true that Didier Deschamps decided not to include Bouaddi in the squad ahead of the World Cup and that he preferred to go with Morocco.
The coach felt he was not quite ready, while Morocco offered him that chance. I can understand his point of view," Fournier noted.
The French federation extended positive wishes to the midfielder, noting his development within the French system remains a point of institutional pride.
"We wish him all the best. He remains a player trained in France, and we will be very proud of him," Fournier concluded.
Praise for Bouaddi's tournament performance also came from football analyst Ibrahim Afellay during a broadcast on NOS. "He is a boy who came into the team quietly.
When you see him play, you would think he has been playing for Morocco for years. No pressure, no nerves, he switches in possession and dribbles when needed.
He also intercepts a lot. No stage fright.
Bouaddi absolutely has a great future," Afellay said.
To fill the vacancy left by Bouaddi's anticipated departure, Lille OSC is actively pursuing Feyenoord midfielder Gjivai Zechiël, who spent last season on loan at FC Utrecht.
Feyenoord expects to receive approximately 10 million euros for Zechiël, with plans to potentially reinvest those funds into 19-year-old Partizan midfielder Ognjen Ugresic.
