Blues step up interest in Moroccan prospect
Manchester City have opened direct dialogue with Lille over 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, according to reports from multiple sources.
The Moroccan has attracted attention from across Europe over the past year, with his composure and technical ability in Lille's midfield earning him admirers. City's interest had been noted previously, but director of football Hugo Viana has now moved beyond simply monitoring the player.
Officials have made direct contact with the French club to discuss a potential deal this summer, per ESPN Deportes journalist Javier Rodríguez Pascual and transfer specialist Matteo Moretto. Both report that City are best positioned to sign Bouaddi, with direct contacts already taking place.
The timing is notable. City have already agreed a club-record deal for Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, yet Viana's pursuit of Bouaddi suggests the midfield rebuild extends beyond a single signing.
There is also the matter of Rodri's future. The Ballon d'Or winner's long-term situation at the Etihad remains unresolved, and should he depart on a free transfer in 2027, the need for another midfield addition becomes more pressing.
Bouaddi fits the profile Viana has favoured since replacing Txiki Begiristain as sporting director — young, technically sound and already performing at a high level in Ligue 1. He would arrive with years of development ahead of him.
Whether a deal can be structured to satisfy Lille's valuation of one of their most prized assets remains to be seen. But the confirmation of direct contact marks a meaningful step forward in what could become one of the more intriguing moves of City's summer window.