Manchester City have secured an agreement to sign Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille in a transfer reportedly valued at £86 million ($117 million). This development was confirmed on Sunday after weeks of negotiations between the two clubs.
The 18-year-old talent, who impressed during the recent World Cup by playing a vital role in Morocco’s journey to the quarter-finals before their defeat to France, is set to bolster City’s midfield following the departure of Rodri to Barcelona and Tijjani Reijnders to Al-Qadsiah.
A Strategic Reinforcement in Midfield
Bouaddi’s arrival at the Etihad Stadium will coincide with a medical examination in England, the final step before the transfer is officially completed. He is expected to join forces with England midfielder Elliot Anderson, contributing to a refreshed midfield lineup under the stewardship of new manager Maresca, who took over from Pep Guardiola at the conclusion of last season.
Maresca has emphasized central midfield as a priority area for recruitment, reflecting a strategic focus to strengthen the squad’s core. While City remain linked with Chelsea’s Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez, no agreement has materialized after the Blues set a bid deadline for their £120 million-rated player, which passed without a deal.