Rabat – Ayyoub Bouaddi has reportedly agreed personal terms with Manchester City on a contract running until June 2031, as negotiations between the English club and Lille continue over a potential summer transfer.
According to Sky Sport, the 18-year-old Morocco international has already been given the green light to join the English side, leaving the two clubs to resolve the remaining financial details of the deal.
The report says Manchester City sporting director Hugo Viana and Lille president Olivier Lelang have been in frequent contact in recent weeks, holding regular phone discussions rather than formal meetings as they work to reach an agreement.
City are reportedly prepared to pay around €90 million ( MAD 965 million) in guaranteed fees, with additional performance-related bonuses, while Lille continue to value the midfielder closer to the €100 million mark.
The French club has already turned down several verbal approaches, according to the report, as negotiations remain ongoing.
Bouaddi, who emerged as one of Ligue 1’s standout young midfielders last season, had previously been linked with Arsenal. However, Sky Sport reports that the London club shifted its focus toward other midfield targets, allowing Manchester City to move into pole position.
City are also believed to be coordinating Bouaddi’s arrival with a possible departure in midfield, as speculation continues to link Ballon d’Or winner Rodri with a move to Real Madrid.
The coming days are expected to be decisive as Manchester City attempt to finalize an agreement with Lille and complete the signing of one of Morocco’s brightest emerging stars.
