Barcelona has Ayyoub Bouaddi, the 18-year-old midfielder from French club Lille, on its radar as a promising long-term addition in midfield.
According to reports from Spanish media, Lille is prepared to demand a fee in the range of €80 million to €100 million for the Moroccan youngster. This steep valuation poses a significant challenge for Barcelona's potential move.
Bouaddi's performances at the World Cup for Morocco have greatly increased his profile, impressing scouts with his technical ability, maturity, and composure on the pitch.
Barça is far from alone in pursuing Bouaddi; Real Madrid, PSG, Bayern Munich, and several Premier League clubs including Manchester City, Manchester United, and Arsenal are all closely watching the situation. This level of competition further complicates Barcelona's prospects amid its ongoing financial constraints.
Aware of the substantial interest, Lille is holding firm on its high asking price, placing the French club in a strong negotiating position. Barcelona will face a serious financial hurdle should it push to bolster its midfield with this highly regarded talent.