Liverpool accelerate move for ‘insane’ Bouaddi as Iraola sets about Anfield rebuild
New gaffer, new gear. Andoni Iraola’s barely hung his coat at Melwood and already Liverpool are stepping on the gas for a summer overhaul. After an underwhelming 2025–26, and with heavyweights Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate departing, the Reds look set to get busy — fast.
Romano: Bouaddi talks underway
Transfer oracle Fabrizio Romano says Liverpool have held talks with the camp of Lille wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi about a move to Anfield. At just 18, the Morocco international has already chalked up a staggering 96 senior appearances for Lille — serious numbers for a teenager — and he’s catching eyes across Europe.
Diomande chase to refresh the frontline
Up top, Liverpool are pushing to land Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig as the long-term heir to Salah on the right. The Merseysiders are confident the 19-year-old fancies the project despite Paris Saint-Germain circling, with an offer on the table reflecting his importance in the plan.
Defence: left-back choices and a Konate successor
At left-back, Milos Kerkez and Kostas Tsimikas give Iraola cover, though Tsimikas’ future could yet pivot on a loan or permanent exit. As for replacing Konate, expect Jeremy Jacquet to link up this summer after a deal was struck in January — a ready-made piece for the centre-half puzzle.
Midfield churn incoming
The engine room is braced for change. Alexis Mac Allister’s future is being questioned after a flat campaign, Ryan Gravenberch hasn’t hit his previous heights, and Curtis Jones could be on the move. Liverpool like Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton — highly rated and, per reports, carrying a nine-figure price tag — but they’re working multiple tracks.
Bouaddi vs Fernandes: the upgrade argument
There’s been chatter that Liverpool explored hijacking Manchester United’s move for Mateus Fernandes, with the Old Trafford lot now thought to be leading that race. Even so, Bouaddi looks a level above right now. He turned heads on the world stage in Morocco’s 1-1 draw with Brazil at the World Cup on Saturday, showing poise under pressure, sharp reading of the game and the legs to dominate midfield — he even held his own against the experience of Casemiro. One journalist dubbed the youngster “insane”, and you can see why: he’s multi-faceted, press-resistant and already playing like a senior pro.
What it means for Iraola’s Liverpool
Iraola wants intensity, verticality and midfielders who can both hunt and use the ball. Bouaddi ticks those boxes, while Diomande would restore a direct, goals-first threat out wide. Add Jacquet’s arrival at centre-back and clarity at left-back, and you can see the spine of a new-look side forming — exactly what’s needed after last season’s stutter.
Transfer odds are shifting by the hour — and for those weighing up the market moves, you can compare prices via the finest best betting sites as this saga unfolds.
The state of play
Talks for Bouaddi are live, the Diomande pursuit is active, and midfield surgery feels inevitable. Whether Bouaddi lands in the Premier League this summer is the million-pound question — but if Liverpool get it done, it’s a statement that Iraola’s rebuild isn’t just talk; it’s already taking shape.
