Manchester City are closing in on the signing of Lille’s teenage sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi, with negotiations accelerating in recent days and a deal now close to finalisation, sources have confirmed.
Record-Breaking Deal: Man City Beat Europe’s Elite to Sign Ayyoub Bouaddi for €100m
The Premier League champions have fended off fierce competition from Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain to secure one of world football’s most coveted young talents.
City now believe they have won the race for the Morocco international, who enhanced his reputation with a superb World Cup campaign.
Lille have remained firm throughout negotiations, valuing the 18-year-old midfielder at around €100 million (£85 million).
TEAMtalk understands City are now close to meeting those demands, with only minor details left to resolve.
Should the deal go through at that figure, Bouaddi would become the most expensive teenage midfielder in football history, eclipsing the £53 million Chelsea paid Southampton for Romeo Lavia in 2023.
Lille had preferred an agreement that would see Bouaddi return to France on loan for another season.
However, following further discussions, Xabi Alonso made it clear he wants Bouaddi as part of his first-team plans immediately a vision that convinced the player to make the move now.
Bouaddi has since informed Lille he is ready to join City straight away, and the French club respect that decision.
City view Bouaddi as the ideal long-term solution to anchor their midfield for years to come.
Alongside Elliot Anderson already signed for £116 million this summer the Moroccan prodigy represents the foundation of a new generation at the Etihad.
City believe there is no better environment for Bouaddi’s development than learning alongside Rodri, with the Spain international’s experience expected to accelerate the teenager’s progression into one of the game’s elite holding midfielders.
Barring any late complications, Manchester City are now on course to complete a deal for a player they believe can become a cornerstone of the club’s future under Maresca.
