Tottenham Hotspur handed transfer boost as LOSC Lille are ready to sell their prized asset Ayyoub Bouaddi in 2026
Tottenham Hotspur have been looking to bring in a new central midfielder in the upcoming January transfer window.
Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur have forged a strong partnership in the middle of the park under Thomas Frank. Palhinha, in particular, has been a standout performer along with Mohammed Kudus this season, after arriving on loan from Bayern Munich. Such has been his strong impact that the club bosses are already planning to sign him on a permanent deal.
However, the Portugal international will already turn 31 in July, meaning he could only provide a stop-gap solution in midfield to Spurs if he’s signed permanently from Bayern Munich. Keeping that in mind, Tottenham are also planning a succession story for Palhinha simultaneously.
As per recent reports, the Lilywhites are keen on signing highly-rated LOSC Lille talent Ayyoub Bouaddi. They have been among several English clubs to have sent scouts to watch him this season.
LOSC Lille preparing for teenage prodigy’s sale amid Tottenham interest
Several clubs across Europe have been tracking Ayyoub Bouaddi ever since he made his first-team debut for Lille at a tender age of 16. The midfielder is proving to be a standout performer for Lille, having emerged as one of the most highly-rated young players in France, if not Europe. But there is more than just interest from the Premier League in the France youth international, with Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig having all watched him earlier this year.
Having turned 18 in October, Bouaddi is for the first time available to the European clubs. According to an exclusive report from TBR Football, Lille are preparing for their talent’s likely departure next year amid growing interest.
“When I speak to scouts and recruitment staff in the Premier League, every major club mentions Bouaddi. There is not a more talked-about player in Europe than him,” TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey revealed.
“In England, there are the likes of Wharton and Anderson, but in Europe, Bouaddi is the name on everyone’s lips, and the battle to land him is already ongoing.
“I am told Arsenal and Liverpool are among the most interested – they love the player – but they are far from alone.
“Lille know they have a generational talent on their hands. When you speak to sources close to the club, they mention Eden Hazard’s name and believe Bouaddi is capable of reaching that level.
“But now that he has turned 18, they realise it is unlikely he will remain after this season.”
Bouaddi up for grabs in the winter window?
Lille are bound to receive offers for Bouaddi in January after they’ve started planning for his exit. A technically-gifted, silky midfielder, Bouaddi is rated as a generational talent by the Ligue 1 side and they feel he can reach the levels of Hazard. At just 18, he has become a household name in the continent, which just speaks about his rise in stature.
Bouaddi usually operates as a No.6 for Lille, sitting in front of the backline, breaking the opposition’s attacks and keeping things tidy in midfield. He possesses the ability to carry the ball for long distances and make incisive passes in the final third. At 18, the Frenchman could easily become a long-term replacement for Palhinha at Tottenham.
Tottenham have had Bouaddi on the target list for a while now. And given how the current roster requires high-technical, exciting players, he could be an interesting fit. He can help Frank solve problems in midfield, but as several top clubs are vying for his signature, the north Londoners have to start planning from now to land him in January.
