Manchester City agree £86m deal in principle for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi
The Premier League club has reached an agreement to sign the 18-year-old Morocco international, prioritising central midfield reinforcement following the departures of Rodri and Tijani Reinders.
Manchester City have agreed a deal in principle to sign Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi for 100m euros (£86m). The 18-year-old Morocco international is set to join manager Enzo Maresca’s squad, marking a significant investment in the club’s midfield strategy.
According to BBC Sport, the two clubs were in advanced talks earlier this week, with the agreement now in place to complete the player’s protracted move to England. Bouaddi, who featured prominently at the World Cup, is expected to arrive at the Etihad Stadium to bolster the squad.
The transfer reflects a deliberate institutional response to recent squad changes. Having sold midfielders Rodri and Tijani Reinders, Manchester City have identified central midfield as a priority area for strengthening. The acquisition of Bouaddi addresses this specific gap in the squad structure.
While the focus remains on finalising the Bouaddi deal, the club’s transfer activity is not limited to a single target. Manchester City remain interested in Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, although it remains to be seen whether an agreement can be struck for that player.
The deal is currently described as being in principle, meaning the transfer is not yet formally finalised. However, with the agreement between the clubs secured, Bouaddi is set to complete his move to the Premier League.
