Manchester City keep Enzo Fernandez plans alive despite Ayyoub Bouaddi deal

Manchester City remain interested in signing Enzo Fernandez even if they complete a long-term deal for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.

The Premier League club’s pursuit of Fernandez is not being affected by the expected arrival of Bouaddi, according to the BBC. The situation leaves open the possibility of Manchester City forming a new midfield partnership featuring Fernandez, Bouaddi and Elliot Anderson.

The interest in Fernandez is being driven by Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who is understood to be very keen on the Argentina international. His position means that Manchester City could still seek to bring Fernandez into their midfield despite securing the services of another highly regarded young player.

Bouaddi is set to leave Lille and commit his long-term future to Manchester City. That move ends the previous expectation that the Morocco international would arrive in 2027.

Instead, the midfielder’s departure from Lille and his agreement with Manchester City mean the proposed timeline has changed. The French club will lose Bouaddi, while Manchester City will add him to a midfield group that could also include Fernandez and Anderson.

The developments underline that City’s plans for Bouaddi and Fernandez are not being treated as alternatives. The club is continuing to consider a move for the Argentine midfielder while also preparing to complete Bouaddi’s long-term transfer.

Maresca’s interest in Fernandez adds another element to the picture. Although Bouaddi’s arrival could have been expected to affect the need for another central midfielder, the reported plan would allow the two players to be part of the same midfield structure.

Fernandez would therefore remain a target in his own right, rather than being replaced in City’s plans by Bouaddi. Anderson would also form part of the potential midfield combination, with the three players identified as a possible new unit.

For now, the key change concerns Bouaddi’s timing. His arrival had previously been discussed for 2027, but that will not happen. Instead, he is leaving Lille to join Manchester City on a long-term basis.

The report also makes clear that the move for Bouaddi does not end City’s interest in Fernandez. The club’s continued pursuit of the Argentina international, alongside Maresca’s reported admiration for him, means Fernandez could still be part of the midfield plans after Bouaddi’s arrival.

Manchester City are consequently working on two separate elements of their midfield planning: securing Bouaddi from Lille and maintaining their interest in Fernandez. If both moves are completed, the club could have a midfield featuring Fernandez, Bouaddi and Elliot Anderson.