Bouaddi impressed at this summer’s World Cup – starting five of Morocco’s six matches in their run to the quarter-finals – after a starring role in Lille’s Champions League victory over Real Madrid in 2024 announced him on the big stage.
He functions as a deep-lying conductor and would complement Anderson, who is comfortable as a box-to-box midfielder as well as the number six role he plays for England.
Bouaddi has played 88 times for Lille since making his debut in October 2023, three days after his 16th birthday, and helped them finish third in Ligue 1 last season.
He became the youngest footballer to ever play for Lille when he made his senior debut against KI just a few days after turning 16 in 2023.
He was serenaded by those inside the Stade Pierre-Mauroy after helping Lille defeat Real Madrid in the Champions League on his 17th birthday.
He then broke a record held by Eden Hazard after making 50 Ligue 1 appearances for Lille at the age of just 18.
