Midfield plan takes shape as Bouaddi nears Etihad switch
Manchester City have agreed a deal to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, with the midfielder set to become Enzo Maresca's latest addition at some point next week.
The French club will receive €100 million including add-ons — roughly £85 million — for the 18-year-old, a fee that represents a record sale for Lille. The news broke ahead of City's opening Premier League fixture of the 2026-27 season against Bournemouth.
Bouaddi had been named in Lille's squad for their upcoming match against Angers, but he will now be withdrawn as the move to Manchester is finalised.
Personal terms were agreed back in July, according to Fabrizio Romano, with the youngster poised to join Maresca's squad imminently.
He shone at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Morocco and showed there that the hype is justified.
That tournament performance was the latest reminder of why City have moved so decisively. Bouaddi has looked ready for the biggest stages since breaking through at Lille, and the fee reflects both his potential and the growing market for elite young midfielders.
With the season about to begin, City have moved early to address their midfield needs. Bouaddi's arrival adds depth and long-term promise to a department that will need fresh legs over a long campaign.
For Lille, the deal represents a significant financial windfall — a record return for a player who has developed rapidly in Ligue 1. For City, it is a statement of intent before a ball has been kicked in anger.