Ayyoub Bouaddi (foto: Gašper Freyer)
Manchester City are reportedly leading the race to sign Lille wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi in a deal that could exceed €100 million.
Spremljajte Nogomanio kot prednostni vir na Googlu
Dodajte Nogomanio med priljubjene vire v Google News in
prejemajte najpomembnejše nogometne novice med prvimi.
Manchester City are preparing another blockbuster investment as they continue rebuilding their midfield. According to reports from France, the Premier League champions have moved ahead of Arsenal in the race to sign Lille sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi.
The 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder is regarded as one of the brightest young talents in European football and is already being tipped by many as a future successor to Rodri.
Negotiations between the clubs have intensified in recent days.
City sporting director Hugo Viana and Lille president Olivier Létang are reportedly in constant contact, with the transfer fee remaining the only significant obstacle.
Manchester City are believed to have offered €90 million plus another €10 million in bonuses. Lille, however, are insisting on €100 million as a guaranteed fee before any performance-related add-ons are included.
Despite the gap, reports suggest both clubs are optimistic an agreement will soon be reached.
According to French media, Bouaddi has already decided he wants to join Manchester City and is expected to agree personal terms once the clubs finalise the transfer.
City's midfield is undergoing a major transformation this summer.
The club have already signed Elliot Anderson, while Bernardo Silva has departed and Rodri is widely expected to complete a move to Real Madrid. The changes have continued on the bench, where Enzo Maresca has replaced Pep Guardiola following the Spaniard's departure.
If Bouaddi arrives for more than €100 million, Manchester City's midfield rebuild will approach a combined investment of around €250 million, underlining the club's determination to remain among Europe's elite.
Bouaddi combines technical quality with exceptional intelligence both on and off the pitch. The teenager is studying mathematics alongside his football career, earning him the nickname "the Football Einstein from Morocco."
He also represented Morocco at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, further enhancing his reputation as one of world football's most exciting young midfielders.