Manchester City are in advanced negotiations to acquire 18‑year‑old Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, with club officials expressing confidence that a deal can be completed within days.
A transfer specialist reported on social media that discussions have intensified and personal terms have already been agreed, while the final agreement with Lille remains the primary focus.
The club indicated that the timing of Bouaddi’s integration is flexible; he could join immediately or be scheduled for a later date, potentially 2027, depending on the departure of current midfielders.
The most immediate factor influencing the timeline is the expected exit of midfielder Rodri, whose future move could create space for Bouaddi in the midfield.
Bouaddi, who has featured prominently for Lille and the Moroccan national team, is recognized for his composure as a deep‑lying playmaker, technical maturity, and ability to recover the ball under pressure.
His playing style aligns with manager Enzo Maresca’s possession‑based system, offering both short‑term depth and a potential long‑term solution in central midfield.
Should the transfer be completed, Bouaddi would provide a strategic option for Manchester City as they restructure their midfield following recent squad rotations.
