Manchester City reportedly agree terms with Ayyoub Bouaddi
Manchester City pursue Bouaddi agreement
Manchester City have reportedly reached an agreement in principle regarding personal terms with Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. Reports from Italy indicate that City are now leading the pursuit for the Morocco international, with a contract potentially running until 2031. This development follows interest from several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Manchester United, in the young talent.
Bouaddi, who is 18 years old, was a notable performer during the recent World Cup. He is considered one of Europe’s promising talents, having played 42 times across all competitions for Lille last season, establishing himself as a key player for the Ligue 1 side. Lille are reportedly seeking around €100 million (£85m) for his transfer.
Lille chairman Oliver Letang previously hinted at his valuation for Bouaddi, referencing other significant transfers. He mentioned Elliot Anderson moving to Manchester City for £116 million and Sandro Tonali transferring to Tottenham for £100 million, suggesting Bouaddi possesses unique qualities and development potential that justifies a high price.
Squad strengthening under Enzo Maresca
Manchester City’s reported interest in Bouaddi aligns with their strategy to strengthen the squad under new head coach Enzo Maresca, who has taken over from Pep Guardiola. City have already made several investments this summer, including approximately £150m spent on players such as Elliot Anderson, Mathys Detourbet, Jeremy Monga, and Pierce Charles.
Elliot Anderson, 23, is expected to finalise his transfer from Nottingham Forest following England’s exit from the World Cup. City confirmed an agreement was in place with Forest, stating that Anderson completed a medical in Kansas while competing at the World Cup, with formalities to be finalised upon his return to England.
Mathys Detourbet has joined from sister club Troyes but has been loaned to Monaco for the season. Similarly, goalkeeper Pierce Charles will continue his development in the Championship with Queens Park Rangers (QPR). These moves suggest a focus on both immediate squad reinforcement and future development.
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City reportedly view Bouaddi as a player who could immediately contribute to Enzo Maresca’s starting line-up, despite the earlier acquisition of Anderson. This perspective may have given them an advantage over other interested clubs. City’s assessment of Bouaddi highlights his ability as a deep-lying, combative midfielder who is comfortable with the ball, a profile they believe is necessary for the increasingly physical nature of the Premier League.
Future prospects and additional signings
Journalist Nicolo Schira stated on X that an agreement in principle for a contract until 2031 has been reached between Ayyoub Bouaddi and Manchester City, with talks ongoing to secure his transfer from Lille. Schira also indicated that City are actively pursuing the deal to pre-empt moves from two other prominent European clubs interested in the Moroccan player.
Beyond Bouaddi, Manchester City are also reportedly set to sign 16-year-old Misha Nducka from Arsenal. Respected reporter David Ornstein revealed that City have reached an agreement for Nducka, an England youth international, who is expected to undergo a medical. This move is part of City’s broader strategy to recruit and develop promising young players, despite Arsenal having offered Nducka a competitive long-term contract.
Former France international Emmanuel Petit has praised Bouaddi, describing him as one of the strongest young players in France. Petit highlighted Bouaddi’s maturity, personality, confidence, physical presence, tactical knowledge, and technical skills, noting that he has been a target for major European clubs for two seasons. City’s summer business, including these potential signings, reflects their ambition to build for the future under Maresca.
The club is expected to make further signings in the coming weeks, with Bouaddi being a primary target.
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Source: standard.co.uk
As NewsUK's Senior Football Correspondent, Thomas Beckwith reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He reported on three World Cups for a national news agency. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Sheffield Hallam University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Thomas lives in Sheffield, where he watches lower-league football most weekends. “Football writing is about the decisions, not just the result.”
