Manchester City make Ayoub Bouaddi priority after Morocco World Cup breakthrough

Manchester City have made Lille midfielder Ayoub Bouaddi one of their leading summer targets, but face a potential €130m (£112m) fee to complete a deal for the Morocco international.

The Premier League club are considering the 18-year-old as a replacement for Rodri, who is close to joining Barcelona. City are looking to strengthen their midfield before the start of the new season and have identified Bouaddi as a priority option.

Bouaddi’s performances at the 2026 World Cup have increased interest in the Lille player, who attracted particular attention during Morocco’s opening match against Brazil. Morocco drew 1-1 with Brazil, with Bouaddi’s display helping him emerge as one of the tournament’s players to watch.

His performances have also brought him to the attention of leading European clubs. Several reports claim Manchester City have already reached an agreement with Bouaddi over personal terms, leaving negotiations with Lille as the only remaining stage before a transfer can be completed.

However, Lille are expected to demand a substantial fee for the teenager. Spanish newspaper AS reports that the French club will ask for €130m to allow Bouaddi to leave.

That valuation would make the potential move one of the most significant deals of the summer and underline Lille’s belief in the player’s value. City must now reach an agreement with the French club over the final transfer fee before the move can be concluded.

The indications are that negotiations could be settled in the coming days if Manchester City and Lille find common ground. A successful agreement would represent a major step in Bouaddi’s career, following his emergence on the international stage with Morocco.

City’s interest comes as they prepare for a possible change in midfield, with Rodri nearing a move to Barcelona. Bouaddi has therefore been identified as the player who could fill the gap left by the Spain international, while his displays at the World Cup have strengthened his position among the club’s preferred targets.

The reported agreement on personal terms suggests the player is open to joining Manchester City, but Lille’s asking price remains the key obstacle. Until the two clubs settle the financial details, the transfer cannot be finalised.

For Bouaddi, a move to Manchester City would complete a rapid rise after his breakthrough performances for Morocco. His showing in the 1-1 draw with Brazil has helped place him firmly under the spotlight, and the expected €130m fee shows how highly Lille value their young midfielder.