Manchester City's £85 million gamble on Moroccan prodigy Ayyoub Bouaddi

Manchester City are prepared to pay around £85 million to Lille for 18‑year‑old Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi this summer. The English club view the deal as a long‑term investment to replace a potential departure in midfield.

Speculation has mounted over the possible exit of Rodri, prompting City to look for a successor. The club sees a looming void in the midfield that needs to be addressed promptly.

Bouaddi is the second midfielder City intend to sign this window, underscoring the urgency of the situation. The club regards him as essential to future‑proof the midfield after concerns about Rodri’s departure.

€100 million gamble: Manchester City eyes Moroccan prodigy as Rodri replacement

Scouts praise Bouaddi’s ability to retain possession, read the game and drive the ball forward. They rank him among Europe’s most highly rated young midfielders.

Lille have set a permanent transfer price of £85.3 million, while a loan‑back option would have fetched £68 million. Reports indicate Manchester City will not pursue a loan‑back and aim to finalise the permanent move soon.

City have already added Elliot Anderson and retain options such as Nico González and Nico O’Reilly, yet they consider Bouaddi the ideal long‑term solution to replace Rodri. The club’s recent activity highlights its commitment to strengthening the midfield.

For Lille, the fee represents a substantial return on their prized asset. For City, securing Bouaddi would provide a young elite prospect to anchor the midfield for years and support ambitions in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, with the transfer pending before the summer window closes.