Manchester City are currently in advanced negotiations with Lille, the French football club, to secure a transfer for Moroccan midfielder, Ayyoub Bouaddi. The Premier League side has expressed considerable interest in the 18-year-old, with the transfer process expected to conclude this week following the agreement to sell Rodri to Barcelona.
It has been widely reported that Lille values Bouaddi at €100 million, making him one of the most expensive targets in the transfer market. Bouaddi, who has been a key player for Lille since his debut in October 2023, has established himself as a valuable asset to the team. He initially impressed at this summer’s World Cup, starting all five matches for Morocco’s national team and scoring crucial goals.
Bouaddi’s playing style is characterized as a deep-lying conductor – a similar role to that of Rodri, who is a central midfielder known for his defensive capabilities. He would complement Elliot Anderson, who is expected to be a more attacking box-to-box midfielder, by providing a crucial link between defense and attack. Bouaddi’s career since joining Lille in 2023 has been marked by consistent performances. He has played 88 times for the club, culminating in third-place finishes in Ligue 1 last season.
Prior to his international success, Bouaddi faced a significant injury layoff in the 2024-25 season, with parts of last season disrupted by a hamstring issue. However, he returned to form at the World Cup in the summer, leading Spain to their second title and earning him the prestigious player of the tournament award. This achievement has significantly elevated his profile.
Rodri, captain of Spain, is slated to complete a £65 million transfer to Barcelona in the coming days, marking the end of his four-year contract. The 30-year-old’s prolific appearances for City over the past seven seasons, totaling 298 games, underscore his importance to the team. He joined from Atletico Madrid in 2019 for a then-record £62.8 million, establishing himself as a key player.
The situation regarding Bouaddi’s potential impact on Manchester City’s interest in Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez remains unclear. While sources suggest City manager Enzo Maresca is keen on retaining the Argentine midfielder, the potential for a transfer remains a subject of considerable discussion.
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This news follows a recent report detailing the club’s strategy to secure a transfer deal for Bouaddi, reinforcing the significant interest from both sides.
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Source: BBC Football
