Manchester City close in on €100m deal for Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi

Manchester City are reportedly close to completing a deal for Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi after reaching an agreement with Lille over a transfer worth up to €100m.

According to Radio Monte Carlo, Lille are set to receive a record fee that could reach €100m including bonuses and incentives, with Bouaddi expected to sign a long-term contract with the Premier League club.

The proposed move would see City secure one of the most highly rated young midfielders in French football after Bouaddi’s impressive performances for both club and country.

Bouaddi attracts major European interest

Bouaddi made a strong impression during the 2026 World Cup with Morocco, starting five of their six matches as the Atlas Lions progressed to the quarter-finals.

His performances on the international stage further increased interest in the 18-year-old, who had already attracted attention in European football after featuring in Lille’s victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League in 2024.

The midfielder has developed quickly since making his Lille debut in October 2023.

That first appearance came only three days after his 16th birthday, beginning a rapid rise through the French club’s first team.

Record transfer could follow

The reported agreement would represent a major financial return for Lille.

Radio Monte Carlo says the French club will receive €100m when bonuses and incentives are included, making the potential transfer a record deal for the Moroccan player.

Bouaddi’s development at Lille has been particularly notable given his age. Since his debut, he has made 88 appearances for the club.

He also played a role in Lille’s strong domestic campaign last season, helping the team finish third in the French league.

The proposed transfer would now take him to Manchester City, where he would join a midfield already being reshaped.

City see Bouaddi as midfield option

Bouaddi’s principal role is as a deep-lying midfielder, where he can dictate the pace of matches and help control possession.

His style could give City another option in the centre of the pitch if the reported transfer is completed.

The Moroccan could also form part of a midfield alongside Elliott Anderson, who joined Manchester City this summer.

Anderson is capable of operating as a mobile midfielder between the penalty areas and also plays in a defensive midfield role for England.

Bouaddi would therefore offer a different profile, particularly through his ability to operate deeper and influence the tempo of the game.

A rapid rise from Lille

Bouaddi’s journey from Lille’s academy to a potential €100m move has happened remarkably quickly.

He made his senior debut in 2023 at the age of 16 and has since established himself as an important member of the French club’s squad.

His performances in European competition helped put him on the radar of major clubs, while his emergence with Morocco further strengthened his reputation.

At the 2026 World Cup, he was trusted from the start in five of Morocco’s six matches as the team reached the last eight.

Now, with Manchester City reportedly agreeing terms with Lille, Bouaddi is closer than ever to taking the next step in his career.

The proposed €100m package would underline the value Lille place on the young midfielder and the scale of City’s interest in securing his services.

For Bouaddi, the move would represent another major stage in a career that began with a first-team debut shortly after his 16th birthday and has now taken him towards one of Europe’s biggest clubs.