- Manchester United hone in on Ayyoub Bouaddi
- The club has enlisted Sir Alex Ferguson to help
- Multiple European sides are interested in the youngster
Manchester United have reportedly enlisted former manager Sir Alex Ferguson as they push to secure the signature of highly rated 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi.
The young French midfielder has turned heads over the past two years, becoming the youngest player ever to feature in a European match when he started a UEFA Europa Conference League fixture in a 0-0 draw against Klaksvikar Itrottarfelag on 5 October 2023.
Just 17 days later, Bouaddi became the fourth-youngest player—and the youngest since 1981—to feature in Ligue 1, appearing at just 16 years and 20 days in a 1-0 win over Stade Brestois 29.
Over the following two and a half years, Bouaddi has developed into a regular in a Lille side that places clear trust in youth. On his debut, he lined up alongside future Manchester United centre-back Leny Yoro, who was also just 17 at the time.
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French journalist Abdellah Boulma reports that Bouaddi has attracted widespread interest across Europe, with Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and Arsenal F.C. all tracking his situation closely.
PSG currently lead the race, with Luis Enrique’s side already making contact with Lille. However, negotiations with club president Olivier Letang have proven difficult.
United, however, hold a potential advantage. The club has turned to Ferguson in key moments before, and they plan to lean on his influence again here. His involvement in attempts to sign Jude Bellingham in 2020 still stands as the clearest example.
This time, United will hope to avoid letting another elite prospect slip away.
A holding midfielder by trade, Bouaddi has also operated at centre-back, right-back, and even in attacking midfield across his 90 senior appearances. He has represented France at every youth level from U16 through to U21, though fierce competition has so far blocked his path into the senior side.
He is yet to score for the first team but has contributed four assists, with his game built more on control, positioning, and tactical intelligence than raw output.
Where Would Bouaddi fit in?
As Manchester United approaches a pivotal summer window, the midfield remains the priority. Casemiro has already confirmed he will leave on 30 June, while Manuel Ugarte also looks likely to depart, with Jim Ratcliffe open to a sale.
United will not receive a fee for Casemiro, but his exit will ease the wage bill significantly. A potential Ugarte sale would generate further funds, allowing the club to reinvest directly into midfield.
United need at least two midfield signings this summer—possibly three—and Bouaddi stands out as a serious option. INEOS continue to prioritise young, high-ceiling profiles, aiming to build a squad capable of competing for the Premier League title over the coming years.
He would not arrive alone, though. United would still need a more experienced midfielder to stabilise the unit and allow Bouaddi time to grow into the role.
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