FC Barcelona have set their top priority in Ligue 1 to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi – an 18-year-old French-Moroccan midfielder from Lille who has become one of the big sensations of the 2026 World Cup. The Moroccan is wanted by manager Hansi Flick.
It does not dampen the interest that Morocco sent Germany home from the World Cup in the round of 16.
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Barcelona’s sporting management values his profile highly, and has formally asked him to stay one more season in France – so they can go for a final attack worth €80 million in the summer of 2027. The plan is to find a generational replacement for Frenkie de Jong – a long-term project initiated by manager Hansi Flick.
The ideal successor
Barcelona believe Bouaddi possesses the ideal qualities: drive in the game, peripheral vision and good distribution of the ball. He fits perfectly into the positional game together with Pedri, Gavi, Marc Bernal and Fermín López. The challenge is that several European giants are already following him closely.
The sale of de Jong could finance the transfer. The Dutchman has a contract until 2029, but turns 30 next season – and Barcelona would like to sell him to the Premier League, where several clubs have already shown interest.
A great talent with maturity far beyond his age
Bouaddi has played 42 official games for Lille and impressed in both Ligue 1 and Europe. In the World Cup, he has been absolutely crucial for Morocco – with a historic draw against Brazil and a masterclass against Scotland. He has shown superb physicality and technique, and the ability to break lines with dribbles and turn under pressure.
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All of this has convinced Barcelona that they will have to pay €80 million to secure him.
The Premier League and Real Madrid are lurking in the wings
Chelsea and Manchester City could easily make a bid this summer – and Real Madrid will also be following him closely. The outcome of the bidding war depends entirely on Bouaddi’s own will.
Barcelona will be hoping that Flick’s sporting influence and the promise of a leadership role alongside Gavi and Pedri will make the difference. The next few weeks will be crucial – and the Barcelona management is keeping their fingers crossed that they can secure one of Europe’s most sought-after midfielders.
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