Manchester City have changed their thinking on Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. Reports suggest the Premier League side now want the 18-year-old in Enzo Maresca's first-team squad this season rather than letting him go back on loan.
The shift in stance complicates matters for Manchester United, who had been among the clubs willing to let Bouaddi spend another year at Lille. United have already signed Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £50m and triggered Youri Tielemans' release clause at Aston Villa for £35m. A third midfield signing is reportedly in their plans.
According to The Athletic, Bouaddi is on United's radar after impressing in Ligue 1 last season and performing well for Morocco at the ongoing 2026 World Cup. The same report states that United are among the clubs to have been in contact over the teenager, with a decision on his future expected soon.
Lille would consider selling at the right price, though the valuation is believed to be in the region of €100m (£85m; $114m). That figure would likely prove prohibitive for many interested parties.
Paris Saint-Germain, whose football advisor Luis Campos brought Bouaddi to Lille in 2021, are not in contention this summer.
City's current stance marks a clear reversal from earlier this month. On July 3, TEAMtalk reported that City were among the clubs ready to accept a loan-back arrangement if it gave them an edge in the race for the midfielder. Arsenal and Chelsea had also softened their positions, according to that report.
Now it appears City want Bouaddi in Maresca's squad immediately, with midfield reinforcements remaining a priority in the current market.
United, meanwhile, continue to pursue a third midfield signing this window.