Manchester City is close to signing Moroccan teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, according to reports.
British media have reported that new head coach Enzo Maresca is keen on getting the deal done as soon as possible to integrate him into the squad, especially considering the impending departure of Rodri. The 30-year-old has just one season remaining on his deal at the Etihad Stadium and has been strongly linked with a return to his native Spain.
Bouaddi has been valued at 100 million euros (USD 110 million) by Lille, which he has represented since the 2022-23 season, starting with the junior teams.
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The midfielder made his debut for the senior team in October 2023 and has represented the team 96 times, recording four assists in that period.
The 18-year-old will be the latest addition to the City midfield, which has already secured the services of Englishman Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for a reportedly whopping 135 million euros (USD 154 million).
Bouaddi had represented France at the youth level, but opted to commit his senior international future to Morocco. The midfielder started five of Morocco’s six games and was the second-youngest player behind Pele to feature in a World Cup quarterfinal, where it lost against France.
Published on Aug 10, 2026
