Manchester City are reportedly making a determined push to sign Lille's highly-rated 18-year-old midfielder, Ayyoub Bouaddi, in a deal valued at approximately £85 million (€100m). The Moroccan international has become a sought-after talent following his standout performances at the recent World Cup, where he played a pivotal role for his national side.
Bouaddi featured in five of Morocco's six World Cup matches, including their 2-0 quarter-final defeat to eventual finalists France. Despite his young age, these appearances marked only his eighth cap for Morocco, showcasing a rapid ascent in his professional career. He famously made his professional debut for Lille in a Europa Conference League group stage game in October 2023 at just 16 years and three days old, becoming the youngest player to compete in the tournament.
City's director of football, Hugo Viana, is understood to be a keen admirer of Bouaddi's technical prowess and astute positional awareness. Concerns over the 6ft 1in midfielder's ability to adapt to the physical demands of the Premier League are reportedly minimal within the club. Manager Enzo Maresca's strategy is said to involve integrating Bouaddi directly into the first-team squad for the forthcoming season, indicating a belief in his immediate impact.
Should the transfer materialise, it would represent a substantial investment for the reigning Premier League champions. The reported £85 million fee for Bouaddi, combined with the earlier £116 million acquisition of Elliott Anderson from Nottingham Forest, would take City's summer expenditure on just two midfielders to a staggering £200 million. This significant outlay underscores the club's commitment to strengthening its midfield options with young, high-potential talent.
The pursuit of Bouaddi highlights City's ongoing strategy of investing in promising young players who can contribute both in the short term and as long-term assets. His performances on the international stage have evidently convinced City's hierarchy that he possesses the quality and temperament to thrive in English football, despite his relative inexperience at the top level of club football.