Maresca urges patience with Manchester City teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi

Enzo Maresca has called for patience with Manchester City’s new teenage signing Ayyoub Bouaddi, despite believing the 18-year-old Morocco international is ready to contribute after his move from Lille.

Manchester City completed the midfielder’s signing on Wednesday, giving him a five-year contract. Bouaddi arrives at the Etihad Stadium with an increasing reputation after featuring at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but Maresca does not want him rushed into regular first-team football.

“He’s ready and he was working with his former club so he is fit,” Maresca said. “He’s quite calm, he does not look 18.”

The Manchester City manager said Bouaddi must still be given time to settle in England and adapt to a different style of football.

“In this case we need to go slowly because he is very young and came from a different country,” Maresca said. “So no rush for him but for sure he is going to help us now and in the future.”

Bouaddi’s arrival is part of an active period of transfer business for Manchester City, although Maresca stressed that the club’s immediate priority was Friday’s Premier League match against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

The manager also gave an injury update on Elliot Anderson, who was substituted after suffering cramp during Manchester City’s victory over Bournemouth last weekend.

“Elliot Anderson is fine after coming off with cramp,” he said.

Matheus Nunes is not yet fully fit, despite coming on as a substitute against Bournemouth, while Jeremy Doku remains unavailable.

There has also been movement in Manchester City’s squad away from incoming transfers. Forward Omar Marmoush has left the club amid reported interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

Maresca confirmed that talks are continuing regarding Jack Grealish’s future. The England international has been linked with a possible move before the transfer window closes.

The Manchester City boss declined to discuss in detail reports connecting the club with Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

“Anything can happen in the window, we will see,” Maresca said. “In this moment it is quite complicated to think about the window because we have a game in 24 hours.”

That fixture at Selhurst Park will provide Bouaddi with his first potential opportunity to become involved in Manchester City’s plans, although Maresca’s comments suggest the club will manage his introduction carefully.

The manager’s emphasis is on allowing the new arrival to adjust to a new country and a new footballing environment rather than immediately placing responsibility on him. While Bouaddi is considered fit and composed beyond his years, Maresca believes his development must take place gradually.

Manchester City will therefore travel to Crystal Palace with attention focused on the Premier League rather than the remaining transfer speculation, as Maresca looks to keep his squad concentrated on Friday’s match.