Rabat – The highly anticipated Ayyoub Bouaddi transfer to Manchester City is approaching a final resolution. The English football club is actively negotiating the terms.
The Premier League champions are finalizing a guaranteed base fee of €100 million ($116 million), according to the BBC.
Earlier reports from the Spanish newspaper AS stated the total financial package could reach €130 million ($151 million).
Manchester City wants to secure the foundational base fee immediately, as the club aims to integrate the young midfielder into the team right away.
LOSC Lille manager Davide Ancelotti publicly confirmed the ongoing negotiations on Sunday. He expressed deep admiration for the promising player.
“Of course, there are negotiations. Many clubs are interested in him,” Ancelotti stated, according to Flashscore.
The manager commended the teenager as an exceptional talent. He noted that the French team would ideally prefer to retain the athlete for at least one more season.
Bouaddi achieved global recognition following his standout performances for the Morocco national football team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 18-year-old displayed remarkable tactical maturity on the pitch in North America. His defensive composure quickly attracted the attention of major clubs.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca urgently needs a reliable defensive anchor. The team exposed vulnerabilities during a recent 3-0 defeat in a pre-season friendly match.
The squad is currently preparing for the potential departure of Rodri. The Spanish international is reportedly considering a permanent move to FC Barcelona.
This possibility has dramatically accelerated the pursuit of the Moroccan prospect. The English club recently signed Elliot Anderson for €135 million ($156 million), restructured the team hierarchy, and allocated massive funds.
Adding Bouaddi will complete a massive rebuild of the core. Analysts expect the final agreement to shatter previous market records for African athletes.
A historic achievement for the national talent
Bouaddi’s transfer signifies a major shift in his valuation. Achraf Hakimi currently holds the national transfer record.
He set this benchmark during his €68 million ($79 million) move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. The proposed €100 million ($116 million) base fee easily surpasses that record.
This massive investment proves the immense confidence the English champions have in Bouaddi. The player has already agreed to personal terms with the Manchester side.
He prioritized an immediate move rather than waiting for future transfer windows. Moroccan football fans are closely monitoring these negotiations.
A successful deal will solidify Bouaddi as one of the most valuable players globally. The Atlas Lions continue to produce extraordinary talents for the global stage.
This high-profile move further elevates the reputation of the national sports programs. Observers anticipate an official announcement from both clubs within the coming days.
