Better than Bouaddi: Liverpool enter talks to sign the “new Bellingham”…

Better than Bouaddi: Liverpool initiates discussions to acquire the “new Bellingham”

The appointment of Andoni Iraola as Liverpool’s manager marks the beginning of a new chapter at Anfield, which is much needed following Arne Slot’s challenges during the 2025/26 season.

The Dutch manager could only achieve a fifth-place finish, just a year after winning the Premier League, despite being given a £450m transfer budget.

Iraola, known for his dynamic attacking style, led Bournemouth to their first-ever European qualification last season.

If he is to guide the Reds back to the pinnacle of English football, he will require his own financial resources to enhance the senior squad.

With the transfer window opening on Monday, it presents an ideal opportunity for the Liverpool board to provide the new manager with the necessary tools for a successful debut season on Merseyside.

Liverpool has begun negotiations to sign a £60m talent this summer.

The ongoing World Cup offers players a chance to showcase their skills for potential lucrative transfers to elevate their careers.

Moroccan international Ayyoub Bouaddi has seized this opportunity, impressing in recent matches against Brazil and Scotland, which has attracted Liverpool’s interest.

The Reds have already started discussions with the player’s representatives regarding a potential transfer to Anfield, while Arsenal is also reportedly keeping a close eye on his development.

The 18-year-old is not the only midfielder who has piqued the interest of Liverpool’s scouting team during this tournament, as a move for German talent Felix Nmecha seems to be in the works.

According to BILD, Liverpool has also engaged in talks with the entourage of the Borussia Dortmund player to gather more details on what is required to finalize a transfer this window.

The report indicates that Manchester United is another English club pursuing the 25-year-old, who scored the opening goal in his country’s 7-1 victory over Curaçao.

Any transfer this summer for Iraola’s squad is likely to be costly, as the Bundesliga club is expected to ask for a minimum of £60m to release the former Manchester City prospect.

Reasons why Nmehca would be a superior choice over Bouaddi for Liverpool

Despite Liverpool’s search for additional attacking options this summer, Iraola and the management seem to think that more reinforcements are necessary in the core of the team.

In recent seasons, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch have formed the primary partnership at the base of the midfield, playing a crucial role in the title-winning campaign of 2024/25.

Nevertheless, the former of the two continues to be linked with a transfer to Real Madrid, while the latter has struggled to match his previous year’s performances.

Curtis Jones may also leave Anfield during the current transfer window, as Inter Milan has already made a bid to secure the English midfielder’s signature.

While pursuing Bouaddi might be appealing to the management, they will need to counter interest from the reigning Premier League champions, Arsenal, for his acquisition.

However, the Reds’ board should urgently consider looking beyond the Moroccan international this summer and focus on securing a deal for Dortmund’s talent, Nmecha.

Both players are undoubtedly high-caliber talents who could enhance Iraola’s midfield, but the German player is one who would provide greater value throughout the 2026/27 season and beyond.

The 25-year-old, who has been described as “incredible” by national team coach Julien Nagelsmann and referred to as “the new Jude Bellingham” in some circles at Dortmund, completed a higher percentage of his passes last season while also generating more chances per 90 minutes.

These statistics underscore his remarkable ability to control the game from deeper positions—something that Iraola will certainly desire on Merseyside.

The German star has also succeeded in registering a higher number of shots per 90 minutes, while also scoring more league goals, which further emphasizes his skill in the attacking zones of the pitch.

Nmecha’s superiority over Bouaddi is even more apparent when he does not have the ball, as he recorded more interceptions per 90 minutes and won a greater number of ground duels.

His increased number of aerial duels won per 90 minutes also positions him as a more versatile threat for the Reds, whether in the attacking or defensive phases at Anfield.

Both players are undoubtedly poised to secure lucrative transfers away from their current clubs following the World Cup, but the Reds should prioritize a move for the Dortmund star.

A £60m deal would be a significant investment for Iraola and the club’s management, but it would enable the new manager to acquire a midfielder who perfectly fits his high-pressing yet possession-oriented style.