Manchester City are on the verge of completing a deal to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, with negotiations having progressed significantly in recent days, according to TEAMtalk. The Premier League champions are reportedly close to meeting Lille’s valuation of around €100 million (£85 million) for the Moroccan midfielder.
The 18-year-old Bouaddi has emerged as one of the most highly sought-after young talents in European football, following a strong showing at the recent World Cup. Several top clubs, including Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain, had all expressed interest in the player, but City now appear to have won the race for his signature.
Lille were initially hoping to secure a loan deal that would see Bouaddi return to the French club for another season, however, new City manager Enzo Maresca has indicated his desire to integrate the player into the first team immediately. This vision, sources say, proved pivotal in convincing Bouaddi to choose City.
Should the transfer be finalized at the reported fee, Bouaddi would become the most expensive teenage midfielder in football history, surpassing the £53 million Chelsea paid for Romeo Lavia in 2023. City’s confidence in securing Bouaddi has also influenced their transfer strategy, leading them to step away from pursuits of players like Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.
The club views Bouaddi as a long-term solution to anchor their midfield, potentially alongside Elliot Anderson, and as a future replacement for Rodri, whose long-term future at the Etihad is uncertain amid interest from Real Madrid. City believe the environment at the club, and the opportunity to learn from Rodri, will accelerate Bouaddi’s development into an elite holding midfielder. The club may also recoup funds through the sale of a £60 million attacker to Tottenham Hotspur, described as an ‘inevitable’ move.
Barring any unforeseen complications, Manchester City are expected to complete the signing of Bouaddi, whom they believe will become a key player for years to come under Maresca.
