Man City Push to Sign Morocco's Ayyoub Bouaddi From Lille

Manchester City have intensified their pursuit of Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, with the Premier League champions aiming to sign the 18-year-old Lille star and integrate him directly into Enzo Maresca's first-team squad.

Bouaddi has emerged as one of Europe's brightest young talents after impressing for Morocco during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, attracting interest from several elite clubs following another deep run by the Atlas Lions.

Unlike some of his admirers, who are willing to leave him at Lille for another season, City want the teenager to join the senior squad immediately as part of their midfield rebuild under Maresca.

The club are prioritizing midfield reinforcements following the departure of Bernardo Silva, while uncertainty remains over the long-term futures of Rodri, Nico Gonzalez, and Tijjani Reijnders.

Lille are reportedly prepared to discuss Bouaddi's sale but are expected to demand around €100 million for the highly rated midfielder.

Manchester United, Arsenal, and City have all maintained contact with the player's representatives over the past year, while Paris Saint-Germain are not expected to enter the race despite sporting advisor Luis Campos previously bringing Bouaddi to Lille in 2021. Bouaddi is expected to decide his future after returning from World Cup duty.