Blues plan long-term play for Moroccan teenager
Manchester City are looking ahead to the summer of 2027 as they consider a move for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, according to the latest reports.
The 18-year-old has caught the eye at the World Cup, where his composed passing has helped Morocco progress through the group stage. Born in 2007, he made 30 senior appearances for Lille in Ligue 1 last season and has also featured in the Europa League.
Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the situation, revealing that City's interest is genuine but the initial plan is to pursue a deal in two years' time.
“Lille have been smart in signing a new contract with Bouaddi before the World Cup, so Lille can control the deal,” Romano said. “Manchester City have genuine interest in Bouaddi. He's one of the players being considered by Manchester City, eventually for summer 2027.”
That timeline would allow Bouaddi to continue his development in familiar surroundings before making the step up to the Premier League — a strategy that has served City well with previous targets.
But the Blues are not alone in their admiration. Romano confirmed that Paris Saint-Germain have been in touch with people close to the player, while Arsenal and Liverpool held meetings before the World Cup.
“So the idea of Manchester City, the starting idea then let's see how conversations develop, could be to try go for the player in summer 2027,” Romano added. “PSG have different priorities, attack and defence. But Paris Saint-Germain have also been in touch with people close to the player to understand the situation.”
For City, the challenge will be maintaining contact with Bouaddi's camp to ensure their preferred timeline is not disrupted by an early bid from a rival. Sporting Director Hugo Viana is heavily focused on long-term succession planning as the club prepares for Enzo Maresca's first season in charge.
There is plenty to sort in the short term too. City are finalising a club-record £116 million deal for Elliot Anderson, while also looking at trimming the current squad and making targeted senior additions. Reports suggest a £45 million valuation cap has been placed on Chelsea's Malo Gusto, and Newcastle's Sandro Tonali is rated at £100 million.
Bouaddi is one to watch — just not quite yet.