Reds target Morocco starlet as youth recruitment drive continues | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Pursuit of Moroccan Prospect Aït Boudlal Reflects Renewed Youth Strategy

Reds target Morocco’s rising star as scouting network expands

Liverpool have reportedly submitted a bid for Moroccan teenage defender Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal, as per le 360 Sport. The 19-year-old, currently contracted to Ligue 1 side Rennes but recently loaned to Ligue 2 outfit Amiens, has emerged as the latest target in Liverpool’s increasingly global recruitment strategy.

While senior arrivals often dominate headlines, there is a clear structural shift taking place behind the scenes at Anfield. This move, should it materialise, would represent the club’s investment not just in the future, but in its scouting reach and development frameworks.

Profile of a modern defender

Aït Boudlal’s name may not be familiar to the majority of Liverpool supporters, but the club’s scouting department has been aware of him for some time. As noted in le 360 Sport,

The Reds had tracked the player during last year’s Under-17 World Cup and other youth tournaments, back when Aït Boudlal was still at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Salé. Since then, his growth has been steady. Now at Rennes, his temporary switch to Amiens offered regular senior minutes — a vital stage in the evolution of any defender.

Described as “a tenacious tackler and composed ball handler,” Aït Boudlal fits the modern blueprint for a centre-back. His versatility and confidence in possession appeal to a club seeking to evolve under new manager Arne Slot, who succeeded Jürgen Klopp in May 2024.

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Liverpool’s evolving recruitment model

This reported bid also aligns with Liverpool’s recent structural changes. In 2025, the club has added a global talent scout, regional scouts in the Netherlands and Belgium, and reinforced its scouting department across Europe. Additionally, the appointment of a loan pathway lead and performance analyst underlines a shift toward long-term player progression.

Recent scouting trips to RB Leipzig, River Plate and Real Betis further support the view that Liverpool’s strategy now mirrors the best practices across Europe’s elite.

Aït Boudlal interest a symbol of broader intent

Whether or not Liverpool secure Aït Boudlal this summer, their intention is clear. The club are no longer reactive in the market. They are proactive, looking to shape the next generation of first-team players through robust systems, strategic planning and intelligent acquisitions.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Aït Boudlal isn’t a name that’ll sell shirts tomorrow, but he’s part of a wider plan that gives us something we’ve been calling for since Klopp’s final seasons — succession.

The fact that the club has expanded its global scouting and added infrastructure for the loan system shows that we’re finally catching up with the likes of Manchester City and Real Madrid in terms of long-term planning. With Arne Slot now in charge, it’s reassuring to see that the club’s philosophy is being rebuilt with a clear identity.

Aït Boudlal may not be ready for the Premier League spotlight just yet, but this is how Liverpool have always done their best work — finding raw talent early and moulding them into elite-level performers. Think of where Robertson and Gomez started. The ceiling for this lad could be just as high, especially under a coaching setup focused on tactical discipline and technical growth.

In short, this deal is smart. Not glamorous, not headline-grabbing, but quietly crucial to where we want to be in three years’ time.