Lille chairman sees strong chance Bouaddi stays despite big suitors

Lille chairman Olivier Létang said on Thursday that there is a good chance the 18‑year‑old Moroccan talent Ayyoub Bouaddi will remain at the club, even as Premier League giants Manchester City and Arsenal are linked with the midfielder. Létang made the comments to , stressing that Bouaddi could stay in Northern France for another season. He added that he is convinced the player would welcome the opportunity. Létang confirmed that interest is coming from all sides, naming Manchester City and Arsenal as clubs that have shown desire for the youngster. He hinted that deals could be discussed around the €100 million mark, but refused to confirm any specifics. "I never talk about amounts. But there are few clubs today that can afford a player with Ayyoub's qualities," he said. Speaking about Bouaddi's development, Létang said, "We have spoken since he returned from the World Cup. I cannot say what we discussed. Anything can happen, but in my opinion he should stay another season with us. I am convinced there is a good chance he stays. He would like that." The chairman emphasized the importance of the right environment for the player's growth. Bouaddi made his breakthrough at the recent World Cup, impressing on the Morocco midfield, notably in the match against Brazil. His performances have raised his profile across Europe and sparked the transfer interest mentioned earlier. The young midfielder's World Cup display has been described as a major factor in the current speculation.

Manchester City map £85m route for Moroccan prodigy Bouaddi

The assistant coach of Brazil, Davide Ancelotti, is set to become Lille's head coach next season if he remains at the club. Ancelotti, embarking on his first European managerial role after years assisting his father Carlo, also praised Bouaddi, stating, "He is a fantastic player, and of course I would love to have such a player in my squad. But we have to work with the squad we have." Lille's qualification for the Champions League last season could serve as an additional incentive for Bouaddi to stay, offering him exposure at the highest European level. The club indicated it would welcome the midfielder back with open arms after his impressive World Cup showing. That success aligns with the chairman's view that another season in Lille would benefit the player.

Saliba’s hidden fracture: Arsenal star endured World Cup pain

Létang also hinted at a long‑term ambition: making Bouaddi the most expensive player ever to leave Ligue 1. The current record belongs to Neymar, who moved for €90 million to Al‑Hilal in 2023, while Kylian Mbappé remains the most costly outgoing transfer in the French league after his €180 million move from Monaco to Paris Saint‑Germain in 2017. Also, Lille could profit significantly if a deal materialises. Overall, the chairman's comments suggest a strategic balance between retaining a promising talent and positioning the club for a potentially record‑breaking transfer. That approach reflects Lille's broader objectives following a successful Champions League qualification and a rising profile on the European stage.