Ayyoub Bouaddi briefed on Man City pathway as Enzo Maresca and Hugo Viana pursue Lille midfielder | OneFootball

Manchester City have informed the £85 million superstar Ayyoub Bouaddi that they are ready to bring him straight into first-team plans under Enzo Maresca, according to developing reports. 

It was reported earlier this week that a decision was expected soon from the Moroccan star, who showcased his talent and some serious potential at the 2026 FIFA World Cup before exiting the competition at the quarter-final stage at the hands of semi-finalists France. 

Bouaddi, who plays primarily as a central midfielder but can drop deeper, only featured 63 times for Ligue 1 side LOSC Lille before impressing on the biggest stage in world football. The 18-year-old featured in every game throughout the tournament hosted in the United States, Mexico, and Canada – except the Group C clash against Haiti – for which he was an unused substitute.

The eight-time Premier League champions, who are preparing to enter a new era under Maresca, Pep Guardiola’s successor, have accelerated their pursuit of the star after completing the £116 million transfer of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. 

Bouaddi situation much clearer after failed Tonali and Guimaraes approaches

City’s interest in Bouaddi comes following several missed opportunities to bolster their midfield ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. There are still doubts over the contract renewal of 2026 FIFA World Cup finalist Rodri, while Tijjani Reijnders and Mateo Kovacic may not stay at the club beyond this window. 

At the end of June, City launched fresh transfer enquiries for Sandro Tonali before the Italian completed a £100 million transfer to Tottenham, while Newcastle United’s valuation of Bruno Guimaraes was deemed too high at the Etihad Stadium.

However, the situation appears much clearer for Bouaddi, who has been informed by the Citizens that he will spearhead conversations over the way that City will line up under Maresca next season, according to TEAMtalk. 

The report suggests that following further discussion between Hugo Viana, the club’s sporting director, and Maresca, City have informed Bouaddi’s representatives that they want him to arrive at the Etihad Stadium immediately to complete his move. 

Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United chasing but City in pole position to sign Moroccan star

City clearly believe the 18-year-old is already capable of competing for first-team football and contributing this season rather than delaying his development with another year in Ligue 1 – a common pathway the City Football Group have used with many of their teenage wonderkids in the past.

Arsenal, who have tracked Bouaddi for several years, remain in contention for the Morocco international, but the Citizens are in a much stronger place when it comes to knowing what they want from the talent. 

Andrea Berta, sporting director of the Gunners, has had frqeuent conversations with Mikel Arteta and both have agreed that they will accommodate either structure for Bouaddi; the 2025-26 Premier League winners would provide another season at Lille if necessary, or, like City, would integrate him into the first team instantly. 

City’s decision to push for a deal as soon as possible has brought Liverpool and Manchester United into the equation, though it is likely that none of those clubs would meet the £85 million valuation that Bouaddi has drawn.