While Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Manchester United slug it out for Ayyoub Bouaddi’s signature, Leeds United are reportedly refusing to walk away from the conversation.
Discussions remain ongoing between Leeds, Lille, and Bouaddi’s representatives, with the Whites pushing to find a way through — even as several of Europe’s biggest clubs continue to circle the same target.
Just How Big Is This Target?
Make no mistake about the scale of what Leeds are chasing. The 18-year-old Moroccan international turned heads at the 2026 World Cup with a composed, controlling display against Brazil, instantly elevating his profile from promising Ligue 1 midfielder to one of the most coveted young talents in world football.
The suitor list reads like a who’s who of European football: Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid have all been credited with interest, with City reportedly among his most active pursuers despite already spending big on midfield reinforcements this summer.
The Price Tag Problem
Here’s the reality check: Lille president Olivier Letang has consistently pushed back on reports of a fixed asking price, but earlier valuations placed Bouaddi’s price tag anywhere between €60 million and €100 million. Lille also recently tied him down to a contract through 2029, giving them zero urgency to sell cheap — and some reports suggest the club would prefer a loan-back arrangement to keep him in Ligue 1 for at least one more season.
Why Leeds Are Still Trying
None of that appears to have knocked Leeds off course. Sources indicate the Whites remain actively engaged in talks with both Lille and the player’s camp, even as heavyweight interest from the Premier League’s traditional powers and La Liga giants makes this one of the most competitive chases of the summer.
Bottom line: this is a serious reach for Leeds against elite company, but staying in the conversation for a player this coveted says plenty about the club’s summer ambitions. Whether they can actually get it over the line against City, United, and Real Madrid is another matter entirely.
