Manchester City target 18‑year‑old Bouaddi amid £84m Lille price tag

Manchester City have identified 18‑year‑old Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi as their primary midfield target, with Lille setting an £84 million asking price. The English club is also exploring a loan‑back or pre‑agreement that could reduce the headline fee, following their recent £116 million purchase of Elliot Anderson.

The pursuit follows City’s ambition to reinforce the centre of the park after splashing £116 million on Elliot Anderson, who arrived from Nottingham Forest. Anderson’s arrival underscored the club’s intent to refresh its engine room.

Director of football Hugo Viana and manager Enzo Maresca have repeatedly flagged central‑midfield reinforcement as a priority for Manchester City. Their comments have placed Bouaddi at the centre of City’s transfer agenda.

Bouaddi is praised for his technical ability and forward‑moving style, qualities that suit Manchester City’s long‑term squad plan. His playing style matches the club’s possession‑based philosophy.

Lille consider Bouaddi a key asset for the upcoming season and have announced the £84 million price tag for an immediate transfer. The French side, however, indicated that a loan‑back or pre‑agreement could lower the headline fee.

Negotiations have been ongoing since June, highlighted by a meeting at the end of June between Manchester City CEO Ferran Soriano and Lille president Olivier Létang. That encounter confirmed the seriousness of the talks, according to reports.

A loan‑back option would allow Bouaddi to remain in French football for further development while reducing the upfront cost for Manchester City. This structure aligns with City’s preferred approach of signing the player now but delaying his full‑time arrival at the Etihad.

Alternatively, a pre‑agreement could secure Bouaddi’s future move while keeping him at Lille for the current season. Such a deal would give Manchester City contractual certainty and protect Lille from losing the player to a rival in a later window.

Paris Saint‑Germain and Real Madrid have previously been linked with the Morocco international, and their re‑entry could reignite competition. Viana and Maresca stress the urgency of converting progress into a completed agreement before the summer window’s momentum shifts.

If Manchester City can finalise terms in the remaining weeks, Bouaddi could join the squad for the 2026‑27 season after completing his loan spell. It would also provide Lille with a substantial fee while retaining his services for another season.