Manchester City are closing in on their next summer signing after agreeing terms with Morocco star Ayyoub Bouaddi, GIVEMESPORT understands.
Bouaddi has been a man in demand this summer following a string of impressive performances for the African side at the 2026 World Cup in America, Canada and Mexico.
A number of Premier League clubs showed an interest in the 18-year-old this summer, but it appears that City have won the race to sign him.
However, if a deal does get over the line, there are no guarantees that the move actually takes place this summer.
Bouaddi could still stay at Lille for another season
Bouaddivia Reuters
City are in advanced talks with Lille over the signing of the central midfielder and those talks take into consideration the fact that the French club are keen to keep hold of him for one more season.
City's preference is to sign the teenager now, but Lille are willing to offer a discount if the English side complete a deal now and allow him to stay on loan or under a pre-contract agreement in Ligue Un until 2027.
Bouaddi earned plenty of plaudits during the World Cup with experienced journalist Julien Laurens describing him as a "not far from a genius".
Laurens said: "Lille quickly realised that they had an absolute gem on their hands. They played Real Madrid two years ago on his birthday. He turned 17 that day and Lille won 1-0 in the group stage and he was just outstanding.
"He was the best player on the pitch on the day of his 17th birthday. He was just incredible, really. And I think we remembered Eduardo Camavinga when he was still at Rennes, bossing a game against PSG when he was 16 in midfield. And I had a similar vibe of somebody that young who's already that good against the best team in the world really at the time.
Bouaddi is a special player
Ayyoub Bouaddi in action for Morocco at the 2026 World CupBurt Granofsky/Cal Sport Media/Sipa USA
"It was like peak Real Madrid. And he was the best player on the pitch. You don't really start that young if you're not special. And then you don't boss the Real Madrid midfield in the Champions League at 17 if you're not special either."
Bouaddi started all but one of Morocco's games in the World Cup, in the heart of their midfield at just 18 years of age, off the back of a 2025/26 campaign missing just six of Lille's league matches.
Speaking after the World Cup clash with Brazil, Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi said: "I can understand why Bouaddi has been a revelation to some people, but not to us. Naturally, playing that way against Brazil at such a young age, in an environment like this, will attract attention. But he is very mature for his age. He doesn't need much guidance. He's a very intelligent young man and he'll remain grounded."
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