Esteemed Kompany
·25 Juli 2026
Manchester City are growing in confidence that they’ll sign Ayyoub Bouaddi

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Yahoo sportsEsteemed Kompany
·25 Juli 2026

Every indication is that elegant Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi is the second midfielder that Manchester City are aiming to sign this summer. Signing Bouaddi is imperative for City to future-proof their midfield. The 18-year-old Moroccan international looms as a player that City could build their midfield around for the long-term. Bouaddi’s ability to maintain possession, read the game and drive the ball up the pitch at such a young age makes him one of the most highly rated young midfielders in European football. It has now been reported that Manchester City are confident of agreeing a deal with Lille to sign Bouaddi as their midfield revamp is seemingly taking shape.
Jack Johnson has reported for TeamTalk that Manchester City are increasingly confident that will agree a deal with Lille to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi. Furthermore, it is also reported that if City do agree to sign the Moroccan international from Lille they will not be loaning him back to the Ligue One side. As per Jack Johnson’s report Lille are asking for £85.3 to sell their prized asset. They would demand £68 million if Bouaddi was loaned back to them for next season. The indication is that City will pay around £85 million to sign Bouaddi provided that they settle on a deal with Lille.
The midfield situation at Manchester City is ever-evolving. It would seem that the chances that Rodri could leave City for Real Madrid this summer have increased exponentially. City do still have Nico Gonzalez who could attempt to fill that particular void. The possibility that Nico O’Reilly could move into midfield is also a possibility. Elliot Anderson’s arrival at the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders adds another quality midfielder to their ranks. However, if Rodri leaves, even if he stays, Manchester City do need another midfielder. Especially one who could one day replace Rodri. Ayyoub Bouaddi does loom as that player.
Ayyoub Bouaddi is a player who could become a long-term player for Manchester City. Of course they have to sign him from Lille first. Bouaddi’s age and already established pedigree makes an elite long-term prospect for the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders. Finding a player, especially a midfielder, with those traits is especially difficult. City seem to have identified in Bouaddi and are determined to sign him.
Manchester City’s confidence is growing that they will sign Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille this summer. Bouaddi’s star rose due to his exceptional performances for Morocco at the World Cup and City will hope to sign him sooner rather than later.







































