Enzo Maresca’s side are the frontrunners for Morocco’s Bouaddi, engaging directly with Lille as discussions continue on both sides. One key decision still to be resolved is timing, whether Bouaddi joins City immediately or waits until June 2027.
Bouaddi, who became Lille’s youngest ever player in European competition at 16 years and three days old, extended his contract with the French club in December 2025 through to 2029.
🚨🇲🇦 Manchester City remain in direct club to club talks with Lille for Ayyoub Bouaddi deal.
Negotiations ongoing with player and club sides as #MCFC remain the most interested club in Bouaddi.
Decision to make: Ayyoub to join now or in June 2027. 🩵🔛 pic.twitter.com/OoXEgULy92
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 27, 2026
Across his time in Ligue 1 he has made 57 appearances, and last season alone played 2,329 minutes, numbers that reflect just how established he already is at senior level despite being just 18 years old.
His World Cup performances only added to the growing interest. Bouaddi, who chose to represent Morocco over France, delivered a coming of age display on his tournament debut against Brazil, completing 899 accurate passes at an 84.7 percent completion rate and racking up 1,524 touches across the group stage.
He went on to become one of Morocco’s standout performers as they reached the quarter-finals, showing composure well beyond his years before their eventual exit to France.
Photo: Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES Sportfoto/Getty Images
