Man City nears deal for 18-year-old midfield gem Bouaddi

Manchester City has taken a significant step towards one of the summer's biggest transfers, with 18-year-old Moroccan international Ayyoub Bouaddi reportedly agreeing to personal terms with the English club. The deal now hinges on negotiations between City and Bouaddi's current club, Lille.

Bouaddi is said to be ready to sign a contract until 2031, but the transfer fee remains the primary obstacle. Lille is demanding approximately 100 million euros for one of Europe's most highly-rated young midfielders, while City is attempting to lower the price, with reports suggesting an offer of around 90 million euros plus bonuses.

“

He has been one of the most valued young midfielders in Europe even before this year's World Cup. Although born in France and having played for French youth national teams, he decided to play for Morocco before the World Cup, and then became one of the main discoveries of the tournament on the biggest stage.

Bouaddi, born in France, represented French youth national teams before opting to play for Morocco. He emerged as one of the tournament's key discoveries at the recent World Cup, significantly boosting his market value and attracting attention from top European clubs, including Manchester City.

The potential arrival of Bouaddi could be influenced by the future of Rodri, who has been strongly linked with a move to Barcelona. City has already signed English international Elliot Anderson, and Bouaddi's transfer would represent another substantial investment in reinforcing their midfield under new manager Enzo Maresca. If the transfer fee approaches 100 million euros, Bouaddi would become the most expensive Moroccan footballer in history, surpassing Achraf Hakimi's 68 million euro move to PSG in 2021.

“

The French club's president, Olivier Letang, emphasized in the same month that he expected Bouaddi to stay for another season. However, he did admit that an offer of around 100 million euros could completely change the situation.