Manchester City have taken a major step towards signing Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi after reaching an agreement on personal terms with the highly-rated teenager.
The Premier League side are now in advanced negotiations with Lille as they look to complete a deal worth around €100 million for one of Europe's brightest young midfielders.
Manchester City move gathers pace
According to Fabrizio Romano, Bouaddi has already agreed personal terms with Manchester City and is keen to complete the move this summer rather than wait until 2027.
The 18-year-old has made joining Enzo Maresca's side his priority, leaving the two clubs to finalise the financial details of the transfer.
City are prepared to invest heavily to secure the Morocco international, who has emerged as one of their leading midfield targets.
World Cup breakthrough boosted value
Bouaddi's reputation soared following an impressive 2026 World Cup campaign with Morocco.
Although born in France, the midfielder chose to represent Morocco and started five of the nation's six matches during the tournament, including the quarter-final defeat to France.
His performances on the biggest stage further strengthened interest from several elite European clubs, with Manchester City now leading the race.
Hugo Viana driving the deal
Manchester City's sporting director Hugo Viana is understood to be a strong admirer of Bouaddi's profile.
The 18-year-old is valued for his technical ability, positional intelligence and composure in possession, while his 1.85m frame is also viewed as well suited to the physical demands of the Premier League.
City see Bouaddi as both an immediate addition and a long-term investment in their midfield.
Key Points
- Manchester City have agreed personal terms with Ayyoub Bouaddi.
- Talks with Lille are advancing over a deal worth around €100m.
- The midfielder wants to move this summer rather than wait until 2027.
- Bouaddi impressed for Morocco at the 2026 World Cup.
- Hugo Viana is a key supporter of the transfer.
What's next?
Manchester City and Lille are expected to continue negotiations over the transfer fee in the coming days. With personal terms already agreed, the focus is now on reaching a club-to-club agreement to complete one of the biggest transfers of the summer.
1 Comment (last comment by JamesLove)
First read message
By JamesLove 10 Aug 2026 09:57
I think Rodri is gone then
By Kevin 10 Aug 2026 16:57
Yeah but the elephant in the room was Vini at Real, the minute he agreed new deal, Rodri was on his toes, fabulous player a few years ago, on the decline but a snake, City are well rid of him, stop the moron reporters talking as though he's a one man team
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