Manchester City have reportedly joined the race to sign Moroccan international Ayyoub Bouaddi, with the Premier League side considering a deal that would see the midfielder return to Lille on loan for the 2026/27 season.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the ten-time English champions have already contacted Bouaddi’s representatives and are closely monitoring the 18-year-old’s situation.
The young talent emerged as one of the revelations of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, playing a key role in Morocco’s run to the round of 16, where the Atlas Lions will face co-hosts Canada.
Manchester City is not alone in the race for the Lille midfielder. Several major European clubs are closely monitoring Bouaddi, while Real Madrid are also keeping him on the radar.
Lille are reportedly demanding a fee of around $75-80 million, plus bonuses for their young star. However, the French club would like Bouaddi to spend another season on loan to continue his development, a condition City are said to be willing to meet.
