Bouaddi Deal Put on Hold as City's Midfield Rebuild Enters Stalemate
Ayyoub Bouaddi's move to the Etihad has hit a familiar pause. Lille have called the 18-year-old into their squad for the opening weekend of the new Ligue 1 season, with the midfielder potentially seeing minutes against Angers on Sunday afternoon.
According to journalist Matteo Moretto, that is the current state of play. The Moroccan international has been on the verge of joining City for days, yet the two clubs remain stuck on a fee. Lille's asking price sits in excess of €100 million, and talks are dragging on.
Negotiations will resume only after Lille's trip to Angers. By then, City's need for midfield reinforcements will be even more acute.
The Blues have already lost Bernardo Silva, Rodri, and Tijjani Reijnders this summer, to Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Al Qadsiah respectively. That trio's departures leave a hole in the middle of the park that at least two new signings are expected to fill.
Bouaddi remains the priority, but the hold-up has allowed other names to circulate. Newcastle United are keen on Nico Gonzalez, with the Spaniard reportedly open to a move to the North-East. City's shortlist also includes Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez, Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, and Roma's Manu Kone.
Sunday's game in Angers will come and go. The question is whether the pause in talks proves temporary or terminal.