Manchester City open talks to sign Morocco youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi

Manchester City have reportedly opened initial discussions over a potential move for highly rated Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.

The Premier League giants are understood to be monitoring the teenager closely, with early talks already taking place as part of a long-term recruitment strategy aimed at securing elite emerging prospects.

Bouaddi, who has rapidly risen through the ranks at Lille, is widely regarded as one of the brightest midfield talents in European football, attracting interest from several top clubs across the continent.

According to emerging reports, at least four clubs are currently involved in the race for his signature, underlining the growing competition for the youngster’s services. However, Paris Saint-Germain are not yet pushing forward with a deal, with the French giants believed to be prioritising other targets at this stage.

Manchester City’s interest is particularly notable, with the club’s recruitment model under new coach Enzo Maresca heavily focused on identifying and developing young, technically gifted midfielders capable of fitting into their long-term system.

The Premier League side are said to be exploring a structured plan that could see Bouaddi remain at Lille for further development, with a potential arrangement allowing him to stay in Ligue 1 until the start of the 2027/28 season before making the switch to England.

Such a strategy aligns with City’s recent approach of securing early agreements for young talents while allowing them to continue their growth in familiar environments before transitioning into the Premier League.

Bouaddi’s technical quality, composure in midfield and maturity beyond his years have made him a standout prospect in France, and his rapid development has not gone unnoticed by Europe’s elite clubs.

Lille, known for producing and developing top-level talent before major transfers, are expected to play a key role in shaping the next steps of the midfielder’s career, especially amid growing interest from abroad.

With multiple clubs monitoring the situation, the race for Bouaddi is expected to intensify in the coming months as European giants position themselves for one of the most sought-after young midfielders in world football.

For Manchester City, the move reflects a continuation of their long-term strategy: identifying future stars early and securing their pathways into elite football before competition escalates further.

As it stands, no final agreement has been reached, but Bouaddi’s name is firmly on the radar of Europe’s biggest clubs — and his next move could become one of the most closely watched transfer stories in the coming years.