With the arrival of Arne Slot, the ideal defensive midfielder in Liverpool has changed. Whereas under Klopp’s regime the emphasis was on the ball-carrying role, the team now favours the type of player who can carry the ball.
Japan midfielder Wataru Endo is starting to adapt, but Ryan Gravenberch has been tremendous and the regulars have been replaced. Meanwhile, the club has been looking to acquire a new defensive midfielder since last summer’s transfer window, and various names have surfaced and disappeared.
According to TBR Football, Liverpool are interested in French U-21 midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille. Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Juventus are also keeping an eye on developments.
Despite being just 17 years old, he has been a key member of the first team squad and has made 18 appearances this season, including through the Ligue 1 and Champions League. His main position is central midfielder, but he has also played one game at centre-back.
In France, where promising young talents have been emerging in recent years, the midfielder from Saint-Lys is also highly rated for his potential and has developed into a player that strong clubs cannot afford to let go of. He is a gem of a player who could step up at any time.
However, the young talent, who will turn 18 next October, will not be able to challenge for a Premier League place in next summer’s transfer window – Spain and Italy, where under-18s can also play, could be a priority – but that does not mean he cannot wait six months and move in the winter of 2026.
So which club will the 17-year-old midfielder, who has all of Europe’s eyes on him, be playing for in a few years’ time…?