Manchester City have reached an agreement in principle to sign 18-year-old French midfielder, Ayyoub Bouaddi, for a total fee of £86 million (€97 million), marking a significant strategic shift for the club’s midfield landscape. The agreement, finalized after initial talks, establishes a framework for a protracted transfer period, with the deal expected to conclude with a fee of £81.4 million plus £4.2 million in add-ons, according to sources close to the negotiations.
This represents a substantial move for City, which has prioritized strengthening its central midfield position following the sale of midfielders Rodri to Barcelona and Tijjani Reinders to Saudi Arabia. The club’s previous recruitment efforts have focused on bolstering their defensive capabilities, with the addition of Elliot Anderson for £116 million from Nottingham Forest, representing a significant investment in the team’s future.
BBC Sport reported earlier this week that the two clubs are nearing completion of a deal for Bouaddi’s arrival, with the teenager set to complete his move to England with Lille accepting an initial fee of £81.4 million, plus £4.2 million in add-ons. The agreement, however, is contingent upon several factors, including Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez’s availability.
Bouaddi, who has already impressed at this summer’s World Cup, showcasing his talents with five matches in Morocco’s quarter-final run, has quickly established himself as a valuable asset. He functions as a deep-lying midfielder, complementing Anderson’s capabilities as a box-to-box player and the number six role he plays for England. His playing style is characterized by his ability to dictate the tempo of the game, a crucial aspect of City’s tactical system.
Since debuting in October 2023, Bouaddi has played 88 times for Lille since his debut in the Premier League, including three days after his 16th birthday. He has contributed significantly to Lille’s third-place finish in Ligue 1 last season, demonstrating his potential to grow within the club.
Following the transfer, City’s scouting reports indicated that Bouaddi’s exceptional technical skills and tactical awareness make him a valuable addition to the squad, potentially enhancing the team’s ability to control the midfield. The club’s manager, Pep Guardiola, has emphasized the importance of the deal, stating that Bouaddi’s arrival will contribute to the team’s overall success.
The deal is expected to be finalized within the next few days, with the agreement subject to various regulatory approvals and the finalization of contract terms. The club is reportedly keen to secure a long-term contract for Bouaddi, contingent upon the completion of the initial transfer period. The impact of this move will be closely monitored as City continues to navigate the transfer market and strive for sustained success.
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Source: Adom Sports
