Manchester City are nearing the signing of Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, with Enzo Maresca having reportedly approved the deal and the player indicating his willingness to move to the Etihad Stadium this summer. The move comes as City seek to bolster their midfield options following the arrival of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.
City initially pursued Sandro Tonali but ultimately backed away from a deal, and also deemed Bruno Guimaraes’s valuation by Newcastle United too high. This led them to focus on the 18-year-old Bouaddi, who impressed during Morocco’s run to the quarter-finals of the World Cup. While a loan-back arrangement with Lille was initially considered, Maresca now wants Bouaddi integrated into the first-team squad immediately.
According to Italian journalist Nicolo Schira, Bouaddi has given his approval to the transfer, adding his name to a list of recent City signings including Anderson, Pierce Charles, Jeremy Monga, and Mathys Detourbet. However, Lille are demanding a substantial fee for the young talent, valuing him in the region of €100 million (£85m / $114m).
Whether City are prepared to meet that valuation remains to be seen, but they are actively pursuing the transfer despite interest from other European clubs, including Arsenal, PSG, and Real Madrid. Bouaddi’s versatility is a key factor in Maresca’s interest, as the player is capable of featuring in multiple midfield roles, including as a No.8, a defensive pivot, and even at right-back. His arrival would provide Maresca with further tactical flexibility as he begins to implement his vision for the team.
The potential signing of Bouaddi signals City’s intent to continue investing in young talent and building a dynamic midfield capable of controlling games and dictating play. It could also allow the club to explore potential departures, with several players reportedly available this summer.
