Manchester City are laying the groundwork for a future move for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, with the club’s initial plan pointing towards a summer 2027 approach for the Moroccan teenager.
Manchester City Plot Summer 2027 Move for World Cup Star Ayyoub Bouaddi
The 18-year-old has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in European football following a breakthrough season in Ligue 1, where he made 30 senior appearances for Lille and gained valuable experience in the Europa League.
His stock has risen further at the ongoing World Cup, where his composure in possession and press-resistant passing have helped Morocco advance to the knockout stages.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City hold a genuine interest in Bouaddi and are considering him as a potential long-term addition.
“The idea of Manchester City, the starting idea – then let’s see how conversations develop – could be to try go for the player in summer 2027,” Romano said.
City’s interest comes as part of a broader succession planning strategy under Sporting Director Hugo Viana, who is already finalising a record-breaking £116 million deal for Elliot Anderson ahead of Enzo Maresca’s official arrival in the coming weeks.
The club’s recruitment model has historically focused on identifying talent before they reach peak valuation, protecting the squad’s technical superiority from market inflation.
Lille, however, are in a strong negotiating position after securing Bouaddi to a new contract before the World Cup. The French club can now control the teenager’s future amid mounting interest from Europe’s elite.
Romano also revealed that Paris Saint-Germain have been in touch with people close to the player, though their current priorities lie elsewhere.
Arsenal and Liverpool held meetings to track Bouaddi before the World Cup, adding further competition for his signature.
With several top clubs circling, the battle for Bouaddi promises to be one of the most intriguing transfer sagas to follow in the coming years.
For now, Manchester City appear willing to play the long game, targeting 2027 as the moment to strike for the Moroccan prodigy.
