According to The Athletic, Manchester City are currently leading the race to sign Lille’s highly-rated midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, with a final decision on his future expected in the near future.
Bouaddi’s market value has skyrocketed following his stellar performances with the Moroccan national team at the 2026 World Cup, where he helped guide Mohamed Ouahbi’s squad to the quarter-finals before their elimination by France.
Even before his World Cup heroics, the 18-year-old was already on the radar of Europe’s elite clubs after establishing himself as a key figure for Lille last season despite his young age.
City’s Transfer Plan and Lille’s Huge Valuation
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Immediate Arrival: Manchester City are pushing hard to secure his signature and want to integrate him directly into Enzo Maresca’s squad, rather than loaning him back to Lille—a strategy other interested clubs had planned.
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The Price Tag: Lille are open to selling their prized asset for the right price. However, reports suggest the French club values Bouaddi at a staggering €100 million, a figure that could prove too steep for many of his admirers.
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Premier League Competition: Manchester United have been tracking the teenager since last year and have contacted his representatives, while Arsenal have also registered their interest.
As things stand, Manchester City are in pole position to land the midfielder. Meanwhile, Real Madrid remain out of the race for now, and Paris Saint-Germain have made no contact with the player’s camp.
