Manchester City are accelerating their efforts to sign Lille star Ayyoub Bouaddi this summer.
The 18-year-old made his first team debut in 2023 and was a regular last season. His performances and potential have attracted interest from several clubs.
Two months ago, we relayed news Manchester City are very keen and are ahead in the transfer race.
On July 19th, the French press backed up the Premier League side’s firm desire to sign him. At that time, Lille president Olivier Létang said “anything is possible” with Bouaddi’s future.
Manchester City already made advances
As per Foot Mercato, Enzo Maresca’s side have been holding talks for several weeks to sign the midfielder.
The Etihad club have made the Morocco international as one of the top targets to replace Rodri. The World Cup winner is in advanced negotiations with Barcelona, and this deal should go through this summer.
Ayyoub Bouaddi has a contract until 2029, and Transfermarkt now value him at €80m. However, the Ligue 1 side have known for a while that it would be difficult to hold on to the player beyond this window.
As things stand, Manchester City are likely to be his next destination if there is no last-minute twist.
Manchester City on verge of finalising deal
The Citizens are seriously speeding up their efforts and have intensified discussions in recent weeks.
Manchester City’s ongoing pursuit of Ayyoub Bouaddi has entered the final stage and an agreement with Lille is ‘imminent’.
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|Appearances|30||||
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|Minutes per game|78||||
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The parties are now discussing the details of the deal, and the English club, who are ‘on the verge’, should ‘soon complete’ the youngster’s transfer. There’s confidence of wrapping up his signing.
Foot Mercato explains the operation will see the French club earn around €100m. Lille are likely to use these funds to reshape their squad in the final weeks of the window.
Key transfer points
Etihad club best placed for signing since June
Advancing discussions in recent weeks
Bouaddi operation in final stage, agreement imminent
Manchester City to soon complete midfielder’s signing
🚨 Info : Ayyoub Bouaddi 🇲🇦
Les négociations sont désormais très avancées entre Manchester City et Lille pour le Marocain.
Optimisme des deux côtés pour finaliser rapidement ce gros transfert.
— Hanif Ben Berkane (@HanifBerkane) August 7, 2026
Sportwitness