Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United have all been credited with an interest in bringing Ayyoub Bouaddi to the Premier League following his fine World Cup displays
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 13: Morocco's Ayyoub Bouaddi during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Brazil and Morocco at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 13, 2026 in East Rutherford, United States. (Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Ayyoub Bouaddi is a man in demand following his displays at the World Cup for Morocco(Image: Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)
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Manchester City are ready to make Ayyoub Bouaddi a central figure in Enzo Maresca's new-look team immediately if they are able to negotiate a deal for one of the World Cup's breakout stars.
Bouaddi enjoyed a terrific tournament at the heart of Morocco's midfield and played an influential role in their run to the World Cup quarter-finals, where they were bested by France. With the 18-year-old having been afforded time to process Morocco's exit, his future has now come into focus with a number of elite clubs understood to be courting him.
Among them are some of the Premier League's biggest clubs, including Manchester City, who have already signed Elliot Anderson in a huge £116million deal this summer.
That significant outlay has not affected their interest in Bouaddi - even though Lille would demand around €100m (£85m) to sell their young midfield maestro.
The Guardian report that not only are Manchester City 'intent' on signing Bouaddi, they are ready to integrate him into Maresca's first-team plans immediately despite his tender years: a factor which could give them the edge over some of their rivals.
Arsenal and Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in the midfielder, whose 6ft 1in frame means City have no qualms over his ability to handle the physical demands of the Premier League.
The report goes on to add that City's director of football, Hugo Viana, is a huge admirer of Bouaddi's 'technical ability and positional sense'.
Manchester City are about to embark on a new era under Maresca followed the departure of Pep Guardiola, who oversaw a decade of domestic dominance.
Enzo Maresca and Pep Guardiola following a pre-season friendly between Chelsea and Manchester City
Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is Manchester City's new manager(Image: (Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images))
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Midfield has been an area of focus in the transfer window with a deal for Anderson already signed and sealed. Bouaddi would further strengthen a squad that is expected to continue challenging for the game's biggest prizes under their new manager.
The uber-talented teenager started all but one of Morocco's six games at the World Cup, including their defeat to the tournament's red-hot favourites, France.
Bouaddi made his senior debut for Lille just after turning 16 and would stand to become one of the most expensive teenage footballers of all time if the Ligue 1 club's demands are met.
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