'Unique' Ayyoub Bouaddi worth more than Sandro Tonali or Elliot Anderson, suggests Lille president of young Morocco star
Published 05/07/2026 at 11:15 GMT+1
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Lille president Olivier Letang is not prepared to let his 18-year-old midfield sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi leave for anything less than a huge valuation. Letang drew comparisons between transfer fees for Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali, and the talent of Kylian Mbappe.
Bouaddi
Image credit: Getty Images
The 18-year-old midfielder has been one of the most impressive performers at the World Cup, making his debut for Morocco and now with four caps to his name after holding his own on the game's biggest stage.
The teenager had already established himself as one of the biggest prospects in European football, after a breakout 2025/26 campaign with his Ligue 1 club.
He made his debut in October 2023 for Lille just days after his 16th birthday, and already has 96 professional appearances for the team.
Letang told that Bouaddi is already excelling, and matches some other French sporting greats and hopefuls.
”Ayyoub played his international debut in the Morocco-Brazil match," Letang said.
”That’s not nothing. On the other hand, despite being 18, Ayyoub is a boy who has already played matches at a very high level.
"He’s played in Ligue 1, played in Champions League campaigns, the Europa League, the Europa Conference.
”He’s the youngest player to have played in a European cup match. He’s very young but already with important experience. In those three years with us, he’s been extraordinary in many ways.
”He’s one of the true sporting figures like Victor Wembanyama, Paul Seixas, Leon Marchand or Kylian Mbappe.”
In December last year, he signed a new contract that runs until 2029, but he has been linked with a host of big clubs, including Premier League champions Arsenal.
However, Letang made it clear that whichever side he may join in future, he would not come cheap.
The president compared him to some expensive recent midfield transfers and valuations.
Elliot Anderson moved from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City for a fee reportedly around ÂŁ116 million, while Sandro Tonali could join Tottenham Hotspur for a sum believed to be around ÂŁ100m.
Letang also pointed out that given Bouaddi’s youth, an even higher price might well be reasonable.
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Asked about the potential valuation, Letang replied: ”How to respond to this question... have I spoken about this subject, given a number? No, never.Â
”It would have to reflect his level. How much were players like Anderson and Tonali sold for, who are older [than Bouaddi], but with less room for improvement?
"So you have an idea about the value of Ayyoub, who has a unique profile at just 18 years old.”
Morocco are set to face France in the first 2026 World Cup quarter-final, in Boston on Thursday.
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