Manchester United have been in talks to sign another midfielder, following the arrivals of Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa.
Tielemans became the second new signing for the Man United midfielder on Tuesday. After completing his move to Old Trafford, the Belgian said: “To sign for such a special club feels amazing; the culmination of years of dedication since I started to love football.
“I have been privileged to find success in the game, and it has increased my determination to achieve more. The desire of everyone at the club is very clear; we are all determined to push for big trophies in the coming years.”
However, in order to start competing in the top table of European football again, United may need to make another addition in the middle of the park.
Man Utd open talks to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, the Red Devils have now opened talks to sign Lille star Ayyoub Bouaddi, with the French club seeking €100m (£85m) for the Moroccan international.
If an interested party agrees to loan Bouaddi to Lille for one year, their price will drop, and Arsenal are also busy. David Ornstein even revealed earlier this week that he is now a player that Manchester City are looking at. Citizens is pushing for a deal.
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Football FanCast verdict |
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Honesty |
The news comes from established journalist Ben Jacobs, and United love to be known, as it has been revealed that they have considered sending Sir Alex Ferguson to convince the midfielder to move to Old Trafford. |
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Finance |
However, the deal could break the bank by £85m. If the Red Devils are willing to pay that fee, Bouaddi will become their second most expensive player of all time, behind only Paul Pogba. |
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Understanding |
At just 18 years old, the midfielder has already collected eight caps for the Moroccan national team, and has played 30 games for Lille in Ligue 1 alone last season, so he has plenty of experience in the first team. |
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Impact |
That said, with United signing Tielemans and Santos, the youngster could be used as a backup to Michael Carrick at the start. A one-year loan back to Lille would also make sense, especially considering it would mean a reduction in the French club’s asking price. |
Ayyoub Bouaddi compares to Wayne Rooney
European football broadcaster Andy Brassell is a big fan of the Lille prodigy, saying: “He’s not the same player as Wayne Rooney, obviously, but I think he gets a bit of what Wayne Rooney or Jude Bellingham feel for him.
“According to the way he is built, it is written in his birth book that he is a boy, but he looks like a man immediately.”
Former Morocco international Mehdi Benatia is also a big fan, saying: “He is a miracle, the kind of player that is rarely born.”
Not only was he a first-team regular for Lille last season, but he also started five of Morocco’s six World Cup games, scoring four goals and completing 91% in the 1-1 draw with Brazil.
Having proven himself for club and country at such a young age, Bouaddi could be a great signing for Manchester United.
