Midfielder's preference shifts to an immediate move
Ayyoub Bouaddi is no longer content to wait. The 18-year-old Lille midfielder is now pushing to complete a move to Manchester City this summer, rather than signing an agreement that would keep him in Ligue 1 until 2027.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Bouaddi and his representatives have reached a full agreement with City over personal terms. Negotiations with Lille are described as advanced, with the player's preference to join immediately seen as significant.
Bouaddi's stock has risen sharply across the last two seasons, and his performances for Morocco at the 2026 World Cup only intensified interest from Europe's biggest clubs. Arsenal have also been linked, though City appear to hold the advantage.
Lille have previously been reluctant to lose the midfielder, and president Olivier Létang is determined not to let one of his most valuable assets leave cheaply. Reported valuations around €100 million have been discussed amid interest from both City and Arsenal.
L'Équipe reported that a City transfer was expected to materialise, and Bouaddi's preference to move now rather than wait a year could prove decisive in accelerating talks.