Manchester City Are In Talks To Recruit This Ligue 1 Midfielder: Dream Signing For Maresca? | OneFootball

In a recent post on X, journalist Nicolo Schira claimed that Manchester City are in talks to recruit Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. It has been revealed that the Mancunian club are working on getting a deal done for the French talent this summer.

Bouaddi’s Rapid Rise In French Football

Bouaddi enjoyed a solid campaign at the Ligue 1 club in the previous campaign when he put in a string of impressive performances at the heart of their midfield. The 18-year-old was involved in 42 matches for Lille last season, picking up one assist across various competitions.

The talented teenager is currently among the best young central midfielders in Ligue 1. Thus, Man City would do well to bring him on board in this transfer period.

His current contract at the French club will run out in the summer of 2029, which could make it difficult for the Mancunian club to snap him up on the cheap later this year.

HOUSTON, TEXAS – JULY 04: Ayyoub Bouaddi #6 of Morocco competes for the ball against Tajon Buchanan #17 and Luc de Fougerolles #4 of Canada during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Canada and Morocco at Houston Stadium on July 04, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

Will Bouaddi Be A Dream Signing For Manchester City Boss Enzo Maresca?

Bouaddi is a tough-tackling midfielder who can read the danger well to earn possession back for his team inside his half. He usually puts his foot through the ball when required and is a good passer as well from midfield.

The Morocco international can even chip in by picking up the odd assist for his team. Bouaddi is primarily a box-to-box midfielder but can also serve as a defensive midfielder if asked to do so by his manager. However, there are some question marks over whether he would be able to cope with the high intensity of the Premier League if Man City manage to sign him this summer.

Bouaddi would enhance the quality of Enzo Maresca’s midfield department in the long run. He is already good enough to challenge for a regular starting spot at the Etihad Stadium in the coming seasons.

At 18, the future looks quite promising for Bouaddi as long as he continues to improve with each year. He will also help the Mancunian club compete across all fronts in the future. Thus, Bouaddi would be a dream signing for Man City to pursue in this transfer period.