Manchester City Are Among The Clubs Hoping To Land This Ligue 1 Ace: Is He Worth The Fight? | OneFootball

In a recent report, The Mirror claimed that Manchester City are among the clubs hoping to land Lille ace Ayyoub Bouaddi. It is believed that the Mancunian club would have to compete with Arsenal, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and Liverpool in the race to land the French youngster next year.

Bouaddi’s Impressive Rise In Ligue 1

The 18-year-old is having an impressive campaign at the French club as he has put in a run of eye-catching displays for them at the centre of the park. Bouaddi has featured in 20 matches for Lille this season, picking up one assist in the process across all competitions.

The French talent has proven his worth in the middle of the park by making 21 tackles, 23 blocks, ten interceptions and 14 clearances in Ligue 1. He has even been accurate when distributing the ball from midfield after completing 83.6% of his attempted passes in the French first division (stats via fbref.com).

His current contract at the French club will expire in the summer of 2029, which could make it difficult for Man City to sign him on a cut-price deal next year.

DORTMUND, GERMANY – MARCH 04: Ayyoub Bouaddi of Lille runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 first leg match between Borussia Dortmund and LOSC Lille at on March 04, 2025 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

Manchester City Are Among The Clubs Hoping To Sign Bouaddi: Is He Worth The Fight?

Bouaddi is a good tackler of the ball and can sense the danger well to secure the ball back for his side inside his half. He usually puts his foot through the ball when the opposition are on the offensive and is proficient at playing his way out from midfield.

The French teenager can even create the odd chance for his teammates in the final third. Bouaddi is primarily a box-to-box midfielder but can also serve as a holding midfielder if told to so. However, there are some question marks over whether he can make a smooth transition to life in the Premier League.

Bouaddi would no doubt improve the quality of Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola’s midfield department in the long run. He has what it takes to compete for a regular starting spot at the Mancunian club in the coming years.

At 18, Bouaddi has got the potential to be a future star in English football. He would be well worth the fight, so Guardiola should focus on signing him next year.