Manchester City are lining up a major swoop for one of Europe’s hottest midfield prospects, with Lille starlet Ayyoub Bouaddi firmly on their radar.
The 18-year-old has enjoyed a breakout campaign in Ligue 1 and shone on the biggest stage at the World Cup with Morocco – and City have taken notice.
Maresca wants him now – not later
This isn’t just City banking on potential. Sky Sports understands head coach Enzo Maresca sees Bouaddi as ready-made for first-team football immediately, rather than another season out on loan.
Personal terms are believed to be in place, though a formal agreement with Lille has yet to be struck.
City preparing improved offer as Lille dig in
According to transfer insider Nicolò Schira, City are set to table a €90m offer having already agreed personal terms with the youngster on a contract through to 2031.
That puts City in pole position – but Lille are in no rush to sell. The Ligue 1 club know they hold the cards, with several of Europe’s biggest names also credited with interest, and are ready to let the price climb.
Sources suggest the current offer falls short of Lille’s valuation, meaning City may need to sweeten the deal with a higher guaranteed fee or add-ons to get it over the line.
The verdict: elite talent, but a fee that demands caution
The Guardian reports City could ultimately go as high as €100m, with director of football Hugo Viana said to be blown away by Bouaddi’s technical quality, game intelligence, and physical readiness for the rigours of the Premier League.
The plan? Fast-track him straight into Maresca’s setup.
It’s easy to see the appeal. Bouaddi can take the ball under pressure, shield his back four, and drive possession forward without killing the tempo – exactly the profile that fits a possession-based side like City.
But make no mistake – €90m for an 18-year-old still finding his feet is a serious gamble. City wouldn’t just be paying for the player he is now, but the one they believe he can become.
It’s a deal that stacks up if Bouaddi is set for genuine minutes from day one. If he’s destined for the fringes, though, that fee becomes very hard to defend.
City should keep pushing – but they’ll be wary of letting rival interest turn a smart long-term investment into an inflated bidding war.