Radio Monte Carlo network reported that Manchester City is intensifying its efforts to sign Ayoub Bouaddi, Lille's midfielder.
Ayoub Bouaddi
Club: Lille
Bouaddi, who is 18 years old, stole the spotlight during the 2026 World Cup, after playing a prominent role in Morocco's qualification to the quarter-finals, and started in 5 matches.
The report clarified that negotiations are ongoing between City's management and Lille club to reach an agreement regarding the transfer of the Moroccan international.
Discussions are also taking place between City and the player's agents, according to the report.
The report added that there is more than one team interested in signing the player, but it seems that Manchester City is the closest to signing the player.
A few days ago, Nicolo Schira mentioned that City is preparing to submit an offer worth 90 million euros to Lille in an attempt to sign Bouaddi.
This after already reaching an agreement with the Moroccan player on his personal contract, according to Schira.
A few days ago, Olivier Létang, president of Lille club, said in statements to the French newspaper L'Équipe: "Ayoub Bouaddi must stay with us for another season."
These statements come despite the offers that have reached the Moroccan midfielder.
Bouaddi is linked to a contract with Lille until the summer of 2029, after renewing his contract last December, which gives the French club a great advantage in negotiations, without any pressure to sell him.
The player had entered Lille's history in 2023 when he became the youngest player to participate in an official match with the first team at the age of 16, and later broke the record held by Eden Hazard as the youngest player to reach 50 matches in the French league wearing the club's jersey.
The Moroccan international, who previously represented France's youth teams, played 96 matches wearing Lille's jersey in all competitions, during which he created four goals, while receiving nine yellow cards and two red cards during the 2025-2026 season.
