Manchester City have reportedly opened advanced talks with French side Lille over a potential move for Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, with the Premier League champions keen to complete the deal this week.
The 18-year-old has emerged as one of Africa’s most highly rated young talents following an impressive 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, where he started five of Morocco’s six matches as the Atlas Lions reached the quarter-finals.
City have identified Bouaddi as a potential long-term replacement for Spain midfielder Rodri, who is reportedly set to join Barcelona in a £65 million transfer.
Lille are understood to value Bouaddi at around €100 million, a fee that would make the teenager one of the most expensive African players in football history if the transfer is completed at that figure.
Bouaddi has enjoyed a remarkable rise since making his Lille debut in October 2023, just three days after his 16th birthday. He has since made 88 appearances for the French club and played an important role in their third-place finish in Ligue 1 last season.
His reputation on the European stage grew significantly after he featured in Lille’s memorable Champions League victory over Real Madrid in 2024, further highlighting his potential at the highest level.
Primarily operating as a deep-lying midfielder, Bouaddi is admired for his ability to dictate play, control the tempo and operate effectively from the base of midfield.
Manchester City see him as a player capable of fitting into their possession-based system while also providing another option in midfield alongside summer signing Elliot Anderson.
A move to the Etihad Stadium would represent another significant step in Bouaddi’s rapidly developing career and could further establish him as one of the leading young talents emerging from African football.
With negotiations reportedly progressing, City will now look to reach an agreement with Lille as they attempt to secure the highly rated Moroccan midfielder.
