Casablanca – Paris Saint-Germain monitored Ayyoub Bouaddi before his summer move to Manchester City but never came close to making a formal push for the Morocco international.
According to Goal, citing French newspaper L’Équipe, PSG were aware of Bouaddi’s development at Lille and his suitability for Luis Enrique’s style. However, the club had already decided that midfield did not require reinforcement during the 2026 transfer window.
PSG’s assessment centered on the options already available to Enrique. Joao Neves, Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz formed the established midfield core, while Warren Zaïre-Emery and Senny Mayulu remained part of the club’s longer-term plans.
The report says PSG wanted to continue developing the two young midfielders rather than bring in another player for the same area. Lucas Beraldo’s ability to operate in a deeper role also gave Enrique another alternative, while Désiré Doué and Maghnes Akliouche offered further flexibility across midfield and attack.
That internal calculation meant Bouaddi’s name remained on PSG’s radar without developing into an active pursuit. Goal reports that the club did not rule out returning for him later and intended to continue monitoring his progress
Manchester City ultimately ended any possibility of a future Paris move this summer.
The Premier League club signed Bouaddi from Lille in August on a five-year contract through 2031. City did not disclose the fee, although British media reported a figure of around £86 million.
The 18-year-old left Lille after 96 senior appearances and arrived in Manchester after a breakthrough period for Morocco. He started five of the Atlas Lions’ six matches at the 2026 World Cup and helped the team reach the quarterfinals.
Goal also reports, citing L’Équipe, that people close to Bouaddi viewed Manchester City’s sporting project as his preferred option for some time.
