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Rabat – Manchester City are intensifying their efforts to sign Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille during the summer transfer window.
City have received encouragement that an agreement can be reached and are “pushing hard” to bring the 18-year-old to the Etihad Stadium, according to TEAMtalk. Lille are reportedly seeking approximately $100 million for the player.
The English club had previously considered signing Bouaddi before allowing him to remain at Lille on loan for another season.
However, City now view the midfielder as an immediate first-team option and believe he is ready to compete in the Premier League from next season.
Part of Maresca’s new project
Manchester City appointed Enzo Maresca as their new manager in June on a contract running until 2029.
Reports indicate that Maresca plans to integrate Bouaddi directly into his squad as the club begins a new phase under the Italian coach. City sporting director Hugo Viana is said to admire the youngster’s technical ability, positional awareness and physical qualities.
Bouaddi’s performances for Morocco at the 2026 World Cup further strengthened City’s interest. The midfielder started five of the Atlas Lions’ six matches as Morocco reached the quarterfinals.
City are not alone in following the Lille player.
Arsenal, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain are also monitoring his situation, while several other leading European clubs have been linked with a possible move.
Bouaddi has already made more than 90 senior appearances for Lille despite being only 18, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most highly rated young midfielders.
No formal agreement has yet been announced, but City’s decision to pursue Bouaddi as an immediate first-team signing could give them an advantage over clubs prepared to leave him at Lille for another season.
