Manchester City has approached Lille to explore the possibility of signing Ayyoub Bouaddi during the current summer transfer window, according to a report by Foot Mercato.
World Cup Stardom Sparks Race for the 18-Year-Old Prodigy
The 18-year-old midfielder has caught the attention of the football world following his breathtaking performances for Morocco at the 2026 World Cup, firmly placing him on the radar of several elite European clubs.
The report highlights that Manchester City is currently the most serious contender in the race for Bouaddi’s signature, becoming the first club to initiate official contact with Lille officials to gauge the feasibility of the transfer.
However, the Premier League champions are well aware that securing Bouaddi will be a complex task. Heavyweights such as Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and potentially Liverpool are all expected to launch rival bids for the promising talent in the coming weeks.
Lille Set Huge Price Tag as Real Madrid Monitor Situation
Lille officials have reportedly set an initial asking price ranging between €70 million and €80 million to part ways with Bouaddi this summer.
For now, the player has put all discussions regarding his club future on hold until Morocco’s World Cup campaign concludes. The Atlas Lions are currently preparing for a highly anticipated Round of 32 clash against the Netherlands next Tuesday.
Transfer Note: Real Madrid is also said to be monitoring the situation from a distance and could enter the race. Meanwhile, Madrid’s manager José Mourinho currently prefers a move for Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández.
