Updated / Sunday, 23 Aug 2026 14:59
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Ayyoub Bouaddi starred for Morocco at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Manchester City have agreed a deal worth up to £85.6m (€100m) with Lille for midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.
City will pay a guaranteed £81m (€95m) for the 18-year-old Morocco international with the rest of the fee made up through potential add-ons.
Bouaddi's arrival will increase manager Enzo Maresca’s midfield options following the recent departures of Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders.
It has been a summer of upheaval at the Etihad Stadium with Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Nathan Ake also leaving along with manager Pep Guardiola.
Savinho is poised to join Tottenham while Omar Marmoush and Nico Gonzalez – who were both on the bench for Sunday’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth – could also move on.
Bouaddi’s arrival would follow the £116m signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.
Bouaddi, who impressed during the World Cup, is expected to sign a long-term contract once the formalities of the deal are completed.
As well as the teenager, City have also been linked with moves for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez and Palmeiras winger Allan.
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