Bouaddi, who excelled in this summer’s World Cup, becomes the third most expensive player in City’s history
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Midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi
Midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi (PA)
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Manchester City have agreed a €100m deal with Lille to buy midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.
The 18-year-old is set to become City’s second big-money midfield signing of the summer, and the third most expensive player in their history, as they continue their busy first summer under Enzo Maresca.
Bouaddi will arrive as City step up their midfield overhaul after the departures of captain Bernardo Silva, Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders.
City will pay an initial €95m deal with a potential €5m in add-ons, for the Morocco international.
He is set to join the £116m Elliot Anderson as part of City’s midfield revamp. Only Anderson and Jack Grealish have ever cost City more than his fee.
City, who could sell Nico Gonzalez to Newcastle, may look for a third midfield signing this summer. They have also shown an interest in Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea.
City have brought in around £150m in sales this summer, with James Trafford, Nathan Ake, Rodri and Reijnders going, and that will go up with the £85m sale of Savinho to Tottenham, with the possibility Omar Marmoush will follow him.
Bouaddi, who excelled in the World Cup at the age of 18, has been a target of City’s all summer. A former France Under-21 international, he is expected to sign a five-year deal at the Etihad Stadium.