Manchester City move closer to Ayoub Bouaddi deal as Lille hold firm over valuation

Manchester City have moved a step closer to signing Morocco midfielder Ayoub Bouaddi from Lille after reportedly reaching a full verbal agreement with the player over personal terms, salary and the length of a proposed contract.

The deal is not yet complete, however, with negotiations between the two clubs continuing. Lille are demanding a substantial fee for Bouaddi, who has emerged as one of the most valuable sporting and commercial assets at the French club.

German journalist Florian Plettenberg, of Sky Sport, reported that Bouaddi had agreed terms with Manchester City in what would represent a significant development in the Premier League club’s pursuit of the midfielder.

Bouaddi attracted widespread attention during the 2026 World Cup, where his performances for the Morocco national team strengthened his reputation and prompted interest from several leading European clubs. Manchester City are currently considered the frontrunners for his signature because of their progress in discussions and their financial capacity.

The player’s personal agreement with City does not mean a transfer has been concluded. Lille continue to negotiate with the English champions and are seeking a fee that reflects Bouaddi’s importance to their sporting plans.

Lille president insists Bouaddi remains a Lille player

Lille president Olivier Letang has confirmed that a number of major European clubs are interested in Bouaddi, but he played down the likelihood of an immediate transfer by stressing the financial scale of any potential deal.

“Few clubs can currently afford Ayoub,” Letang said.

He also insisted that Bouaddi remains part of Lille’s squad, while acknowledging that formal offers have been received. According to Letang, none of those proposals has resulted in a final agreement, and the position remains unchanged between Lille and all the clubs monitoring the midfielder.

The French club’s stance will be a key factor in determining whether Manchester City can turn their progress with the player into a completed transfer. Although City are believed to be ahead of their rivals, Lille have shown no indication that they are prepared to compromise on their valuation.

Letang was asked specifically whether Manchester City could sign Bouaddi for a fee above €100m. His response underlined Lille’s determination to retain control of the negotiations.

“The only truth today is that Ayoub is 100% a Lille player. Yes, there have been official offers, but they were not satisfactory at all, because Ayoub is a very important and central player for us and for our sporting project,” he said.

The comments suggest that Lille have rejected offers already made for Bouaddi, while the club continues to assess the interest from Manchester City and other leading European sides. For now, the midfielder’s personal terms with City represent the clearest sign of movement in the negotiations, but the two clubs still have to reach an agreement over the transfer fee.

Bouaddi therefore remains a Lille player, despite Manchester City’s advanced position and the growing competition for his services.