Lille reject claims of advanced Manchester City talks for Ayyoub Bouaddi

Ayyoub Bouaddi remains a LOSC player, with president Olivier Letang denying that negotiations over a move to Manchester City have reached an advanced stage.

The 18-year-old Morocco international has attracted interest from several leading European clubs, but Letang said the situation had not changed and that Bouaddi was still expected to stay with Lille for now.

Speaking at an event marking Nabil Bentaleb’s contract extension and the official presentation of Tanguy Nianzou, Letang was asked about reports suggesting that discussions over Bouaddi’s possible transfer were progressing.

The LOSC president criticised what he described as rumours that had gained momentum by referring to a potential exchange with “a club that plays in light blue” an apparent reference to Manchester City.

He firmly rejected suggestions that talks were advanced.

“No, it’s not true. There is indeed interest from very, very big clubs, and I have already said that very few clubs can afford Ayyoub today. But there has been no further development. There is still interest, and there are still offers from these big clubs. But for now, the situation remains the same. What I said last time, namely that I thought Ayyoub would stay with us, is still my position. Today, the only truth is that he is 100% a LOSC player.”

Letang’s comments suggest Bouaddi is likely to remain at Lille this season, despite the growing interest in the midfielder and reports of a potentially significant transfer fee.

Some claims have indicated that LOSC could demand €100m for Bouaddi. Letang acknowledged that there could be a point at which refusing a major offer would be impractical, although he stressed that any decision would involve more than the two clubs.

“You have to be realistic. There are figures for which it would be a mistake, firstly not to anticipate and secondly not to complete such a transfer. But in a transfer there are three parties: the two clubs and the player. The player’s wishes are also important, and therefore the discussions between Ayyoub and me must remain confidential. So I have nothing to say here.”

Bouaddi has already enjoyed an impressive season at club level and further enhanced his reputation with his performances at the 2026 World Cup.

Despite the speculation surrounding his future, Letang made clear that no agreement with Manchester City has been confirmed and that Bouaddi continues to belong to LOSC. The president also left open the possibility of a future departure if the financial terms and the player’s wishes were right, but insisted that there had been no decisive change in the situation.