Liverpool consider Harvey Elliott swap to land £60m-rated Lille star Bouaddi

Premier League giants Liverpool have intensified their pursuit of Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi and are now discussing a potential summer move that could involve Harvey Elliott heading in the opposite direction. The Merseyside club see the teenage Moroccan international as a long-term addition to their engine room and are willing to get creative to secure his signature.

Talks between the two clubs have reportedly advanced, with the idea of including Elliott as part of the package gaining traction. The England Under-21 international has shown flashes of quality during his time at Anfield but his path to regular first-team football has become increasingly congested. Linking up with Ligue 1 side Lille could offer Elliott the consistent minutes his development requires while lowering the cash fee Liverpool would need to pay for Bouaddi.

Bouaddi’s stock has soared following a series of mature displays for Morocco at the recent World Cup. The 19-year-old is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, reads the game well and already possesses a physical frame that belies his age. His performances have drawn interest from across Europe, with Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham among the clubs monitoring his situation closely.

For Liverpool, structuring a swap makes financial sense. Lille value Bouaddi at around £60 million, a figure the Reds may be reluctant to meet in full given other areas of the squad that also need reinforcement. Including a player of Elliott’s ability, who counts top-flight experience and technical creativity among his attributes, could significantly reduce the outlay. The 23-year-old would also strengthen Lille’s attacking options if they lose their prized asset.

Elliott’s future at Liverpool has been uncertain for some time. Despite being a popular figure in the dressing room and delivering moments of quality, competition from the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey’s fellow academy graduate Curtis Jones has limited his opportunities. A move away, even as part of a swap, might suit all parties if the right deal emerges.

Liverpool are not alone in their admiration for Bouaddi. Arsenal have been tracking the youngster for months, while PSG see him as a natural fit for their project. Tottenham also retain an interest, meaning the race is far from straightforward. However, by offering a player Lille value highly, the Reds hope to gain an edge in what promises to be a competitive battle for one of the most exciting midfield prospects in European football.

With the summer window approaching, this is a story that could develop quickly. If Liverpool are able to negotiate a deal that swaps Elliott for Bouaddi, it would represent one of the more inventive pieces of business in recent transfer windows. For now, the groundwork is being laid, and the football world will be watching to see whether this creative approach pays off.