LOSC eyes record 100 M€ sale of Ayyoub Bouaddi this summer
LOSC’s Mercato features a potential 100 M€ transfer for 18‑year‑old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, with Manchester City actively negotiating before his contract expires in June 2029. The French side, dubbed Les Dogues, has previously sold Rafael Leao for 50 M€ to AC Milan and Leny Yoro for over 60 M€ to Manchester City, making this deal a new record.
In 2020, LOSC sold Nicolas Pépé to Arsenal for roughly 80 M€, and a year later Victor Osimhen moved to Napoli for a similar fee of about 80 M€. Most recently, the Skyblues completed the €70 million transfer of Rodri to FC Barcelona. Earlier, Rafael Leao departed for AC Milan in 2020 for 50 M€, and Leny Yoro was transferred to Manchester City in 2025 for more than 60 M€. These sales have consistently generated substantial revenue for the club.
Bouaddi’s profile and club stance
Ayyoub Bouaddi, 18, has already amassed 96 professional appearances for LOSC. His contract runs until June 2029, securing his services for the next several seasons. President Olivier Létang stressed the need for realism, saying, “Il faut être réaliste et il y a des chiffres pour lesquels ce serait une erreur, premièrement de ne pas anticiper, et deuxièmement de ne pas réaliser un tel transfert.” He warned that ignoring the financial figures could be a mistake and added that the club must balance ambition with fiscal prudence.
Manchester City have identified Bouaddi as an absolute priority in their recruitment plan. The Skyblues have already secured Rodri’s move to Barcelona, freeing funds for new signings. City’s interest follows earlier speculation about the Moroccan World Cup 2026 prospect, while Argentine Enzo Fernandez is no longer a target for Chelsea. The club’s scouting network views Bouaddi as a long‑term project.
If completed, the €100 million fee would represent LOSC’s most expensive sale to date, eclipsing the previous record of around €80 million. Such a landmark deal would underline the club’s reputation for turning talent into substantial revenue. The summer window thus promises to be a defining period for the Dogues.
Fans even whisper the nickname Pép when discussing the midfielder, a nod to the club’s history of high‑profile sales. Les supporters anticipate that the record‑breaking move could set a new financial benchmark for Lille.
Cette été, les Dogues pourraient bien franchir un nouveau cap, avec des pourparlers déjà engagés pour le transfert record. The outcome will shape LOSC’s strategy in the upcoming transfer market.