Manchester City agree personal terms with Morocco wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi

Manchester City have reached an agreement in principle with Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi over personal terms ahead of a potential move from Lille during the summer transfer window.

The 18-year-old is understood to have accepted a contract proposal from the Premier League club that would keep him at the Etihad Stadium until June 2031, as City look to secure one of Morocco’s brightest young talents.

According to Italian journalist Nicolò Schira, Manchester City have already opened discussions with Lille as they attempt to complete the transfer and bring the highly rated midfielder to England.

The report adds that the Premier League champions are keen to move quickly to finalise the deal, with two other major European clubs also monitoring Bouaddi’s situation.

City’s interest highlights the growing reputation of the teenager, who is regarded as one of the most promising young players in Moroccan football.

The midfielder has attracted attention for his technical ability, composure and maturity despite his young age, qualities that have made him a target for some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Manchester City are reportedly viewing Bouaddi as part of their plans to strengthen their midfield options under new head coach Enzo Maresca ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The club are looking to continue building a squad capable of competing at the highest level, with young talents playing an important role in their long-term strategy.

Bouaddi’s potential arrival would represent another investment in youth development, with City regularly targeting emerging players who can develop into key figures for the future.

The Moroccan international has quickly become one of Lille’s most valuable young assets after breaking into senior football at an early stage of his career.

His performances have attracted interest from across Europe, but Manchester City are now pushing to secure his signature before rival clubs can make further progress.

While an agreement on personal terms has reportedly been reached, negotiations with Lille remain an important step before the transfer can be completed.

City’s management is expected to continue discussions with the French club as they look to reach a final agreement for the midfielder.

If the move is completed, Bouaddi would begin the next stage of his development at one of Europe’s leading clubs, where he would aim to fulfil the potential that has made him one of the most talked-about young midfielders in the game.

For now, Manchester City remain focused on completing the transfer as they attempt to beat competition from other European sides interested in the Moroccan teenager.