A deal begins to take shape

Manchester City have taken a significant step in their attempt to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi, one of Lille and European football’s brightest prospects.

According to information reported by GOAL, the 18-year-old midfielder has reportedly already reached an agreement with the English club on personal terms, leaving the two clubs to negotiate a final deal to complete the transfer.

The young player has become one of the priorities for Enzo Maresca’s side as the coach works on a major midfield overhaul ahead of the start of the new season.

The player has made his preference clear

Manchester City’s interest appears to have the player’s backing as well.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Bouaddi and his representatives have already given the green light to the terms proposed by the Manchester club, while talks with Lille continue to progress.

In addition, the player’s intention would be to make the move to the Premier League immediately, rather than wait until 2027 to leave the French club.

One of Europe’s fastest-rising talents

Bouaddi has made significant progress over the past few seasons and established himself as a regular for Lille during the 2025/26 campaign.

The midfielder recorded 35 starts and five substitute appearances across Ligue 1 and the Europa League.

His rise also extended to the international stage, where he started five matches for Morocco at the World Cup at just 18 years old.

A deal that could reach a significant fee

Lille reportedly began negotiations with a valuation close to €100 million.

However, Manchester City are believed to have managed to lower the French club’s demands, and an offer between €70 million and €80 million could now be enough to complete the transfer.

Bouaddi’s potential arrival would come after significant investment from City in this transfer window, having already signed Elliott Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million.

A particularly difficult midfield mission

The move for Bouaddi is directly linked to the major changes Manchester City are preparing in midfield.

With Rodri potentially leaving for Barcelona, Maresca views the Morocco international as one of the players capable of taking on a bigger role within the team’s new structure.

Replacing the Spaniard’s influence represents an enormous challenge due to his importance in ball circulation, defensive balance and build-up play.

For that reason, City appear determined to invest in one of the continent’s most highly rated young talents. With personal terms moving in the right direction, the main obstacle now is reaching a final agreement with Lille.