Manchester United are actively monitoring LOSC Lille prodigy Ayyoub Bouaddi
Manchester United are beginning to gel as a team under Ruben Amorim, as evidenced with their recent performances. Three consecutive Premier League wins against Sunderland, Liverpool and Brighton has changed the mood around Old Trafford, lifting the Red Devils up to sixth in the table.
Summer signings Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens have blended well with Ruben Amorim’s tactics. The quartet have added fresh energy, fight and spirit Manchester United fans were crying to witness after a disastrous 2024/25 campaign.
Yet, even with the turnaround in fortunes recently, Ruben Amorim and INEOS are constantly planning to strengthen the squad in the next transfer windows. A central midfielder is expected to be prioritised in the winter transfer window, considering the problems the Red Devils have in this area of the pitch.
Called out by numerous pundits over the last few years for his dip in performance and fitness levels, Casemiro, however, has been a key component of Ruben Amorim’s side this campaign, subsequently making eight league appearances—even bagging two goals and an assist. The Brazilian will turn 34 in February and is out of contract at the end of the season, so it is quite clear where INEOS must invest to help Amorim take the team to another level.
Lille prodigy Ayyoub Bouaddi on the radar of Man United
According to a report from Attacking Football, Manchester United have begun “actively monitoring” LOSC Lille talent Ayyoub Bouaddi after watching from afar last season. They have scouted him in several games this season, including against Paris Saint-Germain.
Considered one of the top prospects in French football and beyond, Ayyoub Bouaddi has established himself as a regular fixture in Lille’s starting XI this season after his breakout during 2024/25. He made 36 appearances last season, registering two assists and showing plenty of promise. United are understood to be tracking the teenager prodigy’s performances from last term and have been mightily impressed.
This has led to the Mancunian giants taking a close interest in the France Under-21 international, whose rise into senior football has been nothing short of sensational. The report adds Christopher Vivell – the director of recruitment at Old Trafford – is “heavily involved” in Bouaddi’s pursuit. The German executive is said to be “impressed by Bouaddi’s mix of maturity, game intelligence, and technical precision.”
United are not the only club keeping close tabs on the Lille talent’s performances. Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City, Aston Villa and Brighton are all said to be tracking him, while Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig are all understood be keen.
United cannot afford to miss out on Bouaddi
United were smart and proactive to sign the hugely coveted Leny Yoro from Lille last summer, beating Real Madrid in the process. Similarly, they must raid Lille for Bouaddi in January itself, having seen the teenager grow from strength to strength since last season.
The France youth international is a special talent, possessing the potent pairing of technical quality and tactical intelligence. Plus, in the words of Lille boss Bruno Genesio, the central midfielder has been bulking up and winning aerial duels, which he would have lost last term. This shows the work the young Bouaddi is already putting in to improve different facets of his game.
At 18, the Lille talent has the entire career ahead of him. While the Frenchman would be a signing for the future, Bouaddi could also make a big impact on Amorim’s first team from the very beginning and potentially replace the ageing Casemiro at the heart of United’s midfield. All in all, INEOS must ensure they knock on the Ligue 1 outfit’s door in January and pay a premium to get his signature.