Manchester City have reached a preliminary agreement to sign 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for a deal valued at approximately £86 million. This agreement follows earlier reports indicating that the two clubs were engaged in advanced negotiations for the Morocco international.

Details of the Transfer

The deal includes an initial fee of £81.4 million, with an additional £4.2 million in potential add-ons. Bouaddi's transfer comes as City looks to bolster their midfield following the departures of Rodri to Barcelona for £65 million and Tijjani Reinders to Al-Qadsiah for £52 million. While City has also expressed interest in Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez, it remains uncertain if a deal can be finalized.

Bouaddi's Rise to Prominence

Ayyoub Bouaddi gained significant attention during the recent World Cup, where he started five of Morocco's six matches, contributing to their impressive run to the quarter-finals. His performance at Lille, particularly in their Champions League victory over Real Madrid in 2024, showcased his talent on a larger stage. Bouaddi has made 88 appearances for Lille since his debut in October 2023, shortly after turning 16, and played a crucial role in helping the team secure a third-place finish in Ligue 1 last season.

Having set multiple records, including becoming the youngest player to debut for Lille and breaking Eden Hazard's record for the youngest to reach 50 Ligue 1 appearances, Bouaddi is seen as a promising addition to Manchester City's squad. He is expected to complement fellow midfielder Elliot Anderson, who has also recently joined the team.

As City prepares for their Premier League opener against Bournemouth, the addition of Bouaddi marks a significant step in their efforts to strengthen their midfield options.