Manchester City eye Bouaddi as summer exodus looms

Inside the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City face a looming summer exodus that threatens squad depth, with the Blues already aware they must replace the likes of Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Nathan Ake. The club’s focus now turns to 18‑year‑old Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi as a potential replacement.

The hierarchy at Manchester City have flagged a strategic need to reinforce multiple positions, acknowledging the gaps that will appear at the Etihad Stadium once the departures are confirmed. Their assessment comes as the club evaluates the impact on depth across the squad.

Eighteen‑year‑old Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi has emerged as one of the most talked‑about targets. He impressed during the FIFA World Cup in the United States, and City see him as physically robust with strong on‑ball ability, though they expect his attacking qualities to develop for the Premier League. No formal steps have been taken yet, and Lille are likely to demand a very lucrative fee for the Lille midfielder.

Reports suggest that Mateo Kovacic, James Trafford, Nico Gonzalez and Brazilian winger Savinho are all likely to call time on their sky‑blue tenure this summer. The exodus list also features long‑serving stars Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Nathan Ake, whose exits would further widen the squad’s voids.

Norwegian youngster Sverre Nypan has moved on loan to CFG sister club Lommel SK in Belgium, while academy graduate Reigan Heskey joined FC Köln on a permanent deal. Two U21 prospects have also left East Manchester, with goalkeeper Spike Brits heading to Sutton United on a season‑long loan and 19‑year‑old Matty Warhurst signing a three‑year contract with League Two side Northampton Town.

City may make several signings beyond priority areas, plotting five summer arrivals. Elliot Anderson is expected to lead the rebuild, and the hierarchy is prepared to recruit outside the traditional right‑back, central‑midfield and winger slots.

Rodri’s future remains ambiguous with one year left on his contract, and the futures of Omar Marmoush and Tijjani Reijnders are still undecided. Real Madrid have shown interest in Ruben Dias, and English duo Jack Grealish and Kalvin Phillips could be moved on if acceptable offers emerge.

Although Hugo Viana has been linked with a potential move, the club has yet to confirm any incoming deals, and negotiations over Bouaddi’s fee could prove a major hurdle. As pre‑season approaches, Manchester City will need to resolve these departures and secure replacements to avoid a talent drain ahead of the new era under Enzo Maresca.