According to reports from French media, Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi made a phone call to LOSC Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The call, which took place in December 2022, was aimed at discussing a potential transfer to PSG.
Bouaddi, then 17 years old, was a rising talent at Lille. His response to Al-Khelaifi's approach was reportedly clear: he expressed his desire to stay at Lille and continue his development there. Bouaddi's decision was seen as a commitment to his current club and a rejection of PSG's advances at that time.
As of June 2026, Bouaddi remains a key player for Lille, having made over 100 appearances for the club. PSG's interest in him has not been publicly renewed since that call. The incident highlights the competitive nature of football transfers and the importance of player loyalty in modern football.