Manchester City and Lille have placed their talks over a deal for Ayyoub Bouaddi on hold for most of the weekend, new reports have explained.
Is Elliot Anderson to become Ayyoub Bouaddi's defensive midfield partner?
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Hugo Viana - Manchester City's sporting director - finds himself at the centre of an intense final two weeks of the ongoing summer transfer window, requiring multiple new signings in order to maintain depth in his first-team squad.
Enzo Maresca has made it clear in recent media duties of his desire to maintain Manchester City's competitive standards across competitions, having succeeded the legendary Pep Guardiola as the club's manager this summer.
But with numerous exits from the club's squad and particularly in midfield, with further on the cards and perhaps expected in the case of some names, Manchester City are well aware of the urgent need to invest through the transfer market.
And while much of the club's attentions have been focussed on the services of Lille and Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi for most of the summer, clear daylight at the end of the tunnel remains absent as the 2026/27 Premier League season gets underway.
Enzo Maresca has insisted that Manchester City have total clarity as to what remaining transfer business they need to complete during the final two weeks of the summer transfer window.cityxtra.co.ukMan City Know Exactly Who They Need to Sign This Summer, Says Enzo Maresca
Enzo Maresca has insisted that Manchester City have total clarity as to what remaining transfer business they need to complete during the final two weeks of the summer transfer window.
Man City's Bouaddi negotiations on hold
According to the information of journalist Matteo Moretto, Ayyoub Bouaddi has now been called up by Lille for their first match of the 2026/27 Ligue 1 season and the Moroccan international defensive midfielder 'could see some minutes' during the contest.
From the side of interest from Manchester City, those within the Etihad Stadium have been 'on the verge of reaching an agreement' to sign the 18-year-old for 'days', although Lille continue to demand in excess of €100 million - and negotiations are 'dragging on'.
As such, in light of the contest in Ligue 1 this weekend, it is explained that negotiations between the two clubs for the midfielder will resume after their clash away to Angers on Sunday afternoon.
What is the latest state-of-play in Man City's midfield?
Having lost the likes of Bernardo Silva, Rodri, and Tijjani Reijnders to Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, and Al Qadsiah respectively, Enzo Maresca is crying out for true experience and quality to be thrust into his Manchester City squad.
And the exits may not end there this summer, with Newcastle United keen on a deal for Nico Gonzalez, and the Spaniard himself reportedly interested in a move to the North-East of England this summer.
Should the aforementioned deal take place, and perhaps even without such an agreement, City are expected to recruit at least two new midfielders this summer, although time appears to be running out for Hugo Viana and his colleagues.
Among the options under consideration, according to various reports, are the likes of Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez, Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, and AS Roma's Manu Kone.
Manchester City are reportedly prepared to launch a bid for Enzo Fernandez despite missing Chelsea’s internal 'deadline' on the midfielder, and are expected to sign two players in the position before the transfer window shuts.cityxtra.co.ukMan City Prepared to Bid For Enzo Fernandez as Full Midfield Transfer Shortlist Detailed
Manchester City are reportedly prepared to launch a bid for Enzo Fernandez despite missing Chelsea’s internal 'deadline' on the midfielder, and are expected to sign two players in the position before the transfer window shuts.