Manchester City agree personal terms with Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, says The Sun

Manchester City have reached a final agreement with Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi over personal terms, according to The Sun, with the 18-year-old Morocco international now edging closer to a move to the Premier League club.

Bouaddi has emerged as one of the most highly regarded young midfielders in European football after attracting widespread attention at the 2026 World Cup. He played a significant role in Morocco’s progress to the quarter-finals and started five matches during the tournament.

The reported agreement with the player represents an important step towards a transfer, although Lille remain in a strong negotiating position. Bouaddi is under contract with the French club until the summer of 2029, having extended his deal in December.

That long-term contract means Lille are under no immediate pressure to sell and gives them considerable leverage in any discussions with Manchester City. No transfer fee has been reported as part of the agreement over personal terms.

Bouaddi made history at Lille in 2023 when he became the youngest player to appear for the club’s first team in a competitive match, making his debut at the age of 16.

He later surpassed a record previously held by Eden Hazard by becoming the youngest player to reach 50 Ligue 1 appearances for Lille. Hazard, who also made his name at the club, had previously held that milestone.

Bouaddi has represented both Morocco and France at youth level before establishing himself as a full international for Morocco. He has made 96 appearances for Lille in all competitions, providing four assists.

During the 2025-26 season, he received nine yellow cards and two red cards. His performances, along with his progress at club level and exposure on the international stage, have helped make him a target for Manchester City.

The Premier League club have completed their pre-season fixtures ahead of the new campaign. Their first competitive match will come against Arsenal in the Community Shield on Sunday, 16 August.

Manchester City will then begin the season under new manager Enzo Maresca with a match against Bournemouth on 23 August.

A move for Bouaddi would give Manchester City another young midfield option, but the existing length of his Lille contract means negotiations with the French club remain a separate and potentially decisive stage in the process. The report from The Sun indicates that discussions over the player’s personal terms have been settled, while the next step would be an agreement between the two clubs.