Manchester United is reportedly considering a transfer for an academic prodigy who is simultaneously pursuing a mathematics degree while advancing his football career. The club has focused on acquiring young talent in recent transfer windows, with players such as Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven joining Old Trafford as promising prospects for the future.
This summer, United is expected to continue this strategy by targeting Lille’s young midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. Bouaddi has already made a significant impact, becoming a regular starter for the first team this season. Notably, he delivered an outstanding performance against Real Madrid in the Champions League, where he dominated the midfield, contributing to Lille’s victory and clean sheet.
Reports indicate that United is among several clubs monitoring Bouaddi with the intention of signing him at the conclusion of the season. Scouts have provided highly favorable evaluations of the 17-year-old, as noted by TBR Football, and the Red Devils are well aware of his immense potential.
In addition to his footballing skills, Bouaddi has earned a reputation as a young genius, excelling academically while pursuing his degree in mathematics. He has expressed to Le Parisien that his studies enhance his understanding of the game, allowing him to grasp its complexities more swiftly.
He added: “In my daily life in Lille, we have training in the morning and in my free time I can do what I want. I wanted to continue my studies because it allows me to use this free time to learn. It’s also part of the way I was raised by my family. When you study on the side, it allows you to keep your mind sharp.”
Last year, Bouaddi achieved outstanding results in the French equivalent of A-levels, completing them a year ahead of his classmates. He is also an accomplished public speaker, having won a competition at the Elysee Palace at the age of just 15, with French First Lady Brigitte Macron among the notable attendees.
It remains uncertain whether Bouaddi will fulfill his potential on the football field, as Manchester United aims to persuade him that Old Trafford is the ideal environment for his growth. However, they are not the only club interested; Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester City are also believed to be pursuing him.
Furthermore, there is reported interest from other European clubs, indicating that United will likely encounter significant competition in their efforts to secure his signature. Clubs such as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and RB Leipzig have all allegedly sent scouts to observe Bouaddi over the past year.
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