Story perspectives

Man United eye Bouaddi; €80-100 m loan-back hurdle.

7/4/2026

Summary

Manchester United scouting

Manchester United are scouting 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi as a potential summer signing.
Lille have set a price of €80 million to €100 million and will sell only if Bouaddi returns on loan for a season.
The loan-back requirement could prevent INEOS from approving the fee, creating a major stumbling block for United.
United have already listed Aurelien Tchouameni, Alex Scott, Felix Nmecha, Sander Berge and Rodri among their midfield targets.

Summary

Bouaddi Faces Canada

Bouaddi will face Canada in the World Cup round of 16 in Houston after Morocco’s win over the Netherlands.
He debuted in the UEFA Champions League at 17 against Real Madrid, gaining early top-level experience.
Lille, bound for next season’s Champions League, want to keep him another year for development.
Real Madrid and Bayern Munich track him, but their interest in a loan-back remains unclear.

History

Historical Context

In 2009 Manchester United sold Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid for a then-record £80 million, a landmark fee that shaped the club’s later spending approach. That pattern resurfaces today as United pursue 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, whose €80-100 million price tag echoes past blockbuster deals.

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Manchester United scouting

Manchester United are scouting 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi as a potential summer signing.
Lille have set a price of €80 million to €100 million and will sell only if Bouaddi returns on loan for a season.
The loan-back requirement could prevent INEOS from approving the fee, creating a major stumbling block for United.
United have already listed Aurelien Tchouameni, Alex Scott, Felix Nmecha, Sander Berge and Rodri among their midfield targets.

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