Manchester City are reportedly nearing a deal to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi, the Lille midfielder who gained prominence during the recent World Cup. Reports suggest that City are close to finalising an agreement for the Moroccan international, who has attracted interest from several top European clubs.
Bouaddi, described as an ultra-talented teenager, showcased his abilities on the global stage. His performances for Morocco, particularly in their opening group match against Brazil, drew significant attention. During that game, he recorded 87 touches, more than any of his teammates, demonstrating his influence on the tempo of play.
His confidence and ability to dribble out of pressure have been highlighted as key attributes. Standing at 6ft 1in, Bouaddi uses his frame to protect the ball, combining close control with sharp changes of direction. Last season at club level, he completed an average of 1.2 take-ons per game, placing him among the top defensive midfielders in Europe’s major domestic leagues.
City’s pursuit of Bouaddi
Manchester City are understood to be pushing hard to secure Bouaddi’s services. According to reports, discussions with both Lille and the player’s representatives have accelerated, making City increasingly confident in landing the young talent. Lille has maintained a valuation for Bouaddi in the region of €100 million, and City are reportedly close to meeting these demands, with only minor details remaining to be resolved.
Should the deal be completed at this figure, Bouaddi would become the most expensive teenage midfielder in football history. This potential transfer follows City’s acquisition of Elliot Anderson, who became the most expensive midfielder of all time earlier this summer after a move from Nottingham Forest for £116 million. Anderson is set to finalise his transfer after England‘s exit from the World Cup.
City’s interest in Bouaddi comes despite other clubs, including Manchester United, also having pursued a deal for the midfielder. However, all indications now suggest that City have won the race for his signature. City chiefs reportedly view Bouaddi and Anderson as their long-term central midfield pairing.
Player profile and potential
Bouaddi’s playing style has drawn comparisons to former Barcelona and Spain player Sergio Busquets. He is characterised as a tempo-controlling, tough-tackling, and intelligent midfielder operating at the base of the midfield. While his attacking output, with no goals and just one assist in Ligue 1 last season, is an area for improvement, his demand is primarily for his defensive and midfield control qualities.
Out of possession, Bouaddi profiles as a tenacious ball-winner with an exceptional ability to read the game. He anticipates where second balls will drop and positions himself effectively for recoveries. Last season, he ranked in the 92nd percentile for loose-ball recoveries among midfielders in Europe’s top five domestic leagues.
Despite his audacious moments, such as a lofted outside-of-the-boot pass for Jonathan David in a 6-1 victory over Feyenoord in the 2024-25 Champions League, Bouaddi generally favours quick, safe passes in possession. His pass sonar from the World Cup illustrated this safety-first approach, reflecting a positional maturity in keeping possession ticking over.
However, when attempting more progressive passes, Bouaddi can struggle, completing around two-thirds of his forward passes during the World Cup. He also lost possession four times per game in his own defensive third, which was the second-highest rate among midfielders in North America this summer. These instances, sometimes stemming from overconfidence, are part of the learning process for the young player.
Lille had initially hoped a buying club would allow Bouaddi to be loaned back for the 2026/27 campaign. However, Enzo Maresca, City’s manager, reportedly has a strong desire to work with Bouaddi immediately, indicating that there will be no loan spell and he will be integrated into the squad from day one.
The €100 million valuation set by Lille reflects the current transfer market, where nine-figure fees are becoming more common. If Bouaddi realises his potential, this investment could prove astute for City.
Rodri, another key midfielder for City, is currently contracted for one more season and is reportedly on Real Madrid‘s radar, making the acquisition of young talent like Bouaddi a strategic move for the club’s future.
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Source: nytimes.com
As Latest News UK's Sports Reporter, Hannah Whitfield reports on tennis, cricket and athletics for readers across the country. She built her name covering the county circuit and Team GB at two Commonwealth Games. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from Loughborough University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Hannah lives in Bristol, where she plays club tennis and coaches a junior side. “Sport is at its best when you let the athletes tell the story.”