Manchester City pursue Bouaddi
Manchester City are reportedly nearing the acquisition of Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, a player who gained significant attention following his performances at the recent World Cup. Reports indicate that City has made substantial progress in discussions with both Lille and the player’s representatives. This move could see Bouaddi join City’s ranks, potentially battling for starting positions alongside players like Elliot Anderson and Rodri.
Lille has maintained a valuation for Bouaddi in the region of €100 million. City is understood to be close to meeting these demands, with only minor details remaining to be resolved before a deal is finalised. Should the transfer proceed at this figure, Bouaddi would become the most expensive teenage midfielder in football history.
Bouaddi, who will turn 19 in early October, has made 63 senior league appearances. His performances at the World Cup, particularly in Morocco’s opening group match against Brazil, highlighted his composure and confidence on the pitch. During that match, he recorded 87 touches, more than any of his teammates, demonstrating his ability to dictate play.
Bouaddi’s playing style and potential
Bouaddi’s game is characterised by his ability to dribble out of pressure, using his 6ft 1in frame to protect the ball. He combines close control with sharp changes of direction. Last season at club level, he completed an average of 1.2 take-ons per game, placing him among the top defensive midfielders in Europe’s major domestic leagues.
Despite audacious moments, such as a lofted outside-of-the-boot pass for Jonathan David in a 6-1 victory over Feyenoord in the 2024-25 Champions League, Bouaddi generally adopts a safety-first approach in possession, favouring quick, safe passes. This reflects a positional maturity, as his primary role on the ball is often to maintain possession.
However, when attempting more progressive passes, Bouaddi has shown some struggles. During the World Cup, he completed approximately two-thirds of his forward passes, ranking 21st among 29 defensive and central midfielders who played five or more games in the tournament. He also lost possession multiple times per game in his own defensive third, a rate among the highest for midfielders in North America this summer. These instances sometimes stemmed from a confidence that occasionally strayed into casualness.
Out of possession, Bouaddi is described as a tenacious ball-winner with an exceptional ability to read the game. He anticipates where second balls will drop and positions himself effectively. Last season, he ranked in the 92nd percentile for loose-ball recoveries among midfielders in Europe’s top five domestic leagues. While his attacking output is currently modest, with no goals and one assist in Ligue 1 last season, his demand stems from his qualities as a tempo-controlling, tough-tackling, and intelligent midfielder.
City’s long-term midfield plans
City’s interest in Bouaddi comes after their acquisition of Elliot Anderson, who transferred from Nottingham Forest for £116 million. Anderson, 23, is set to finalise his move following England’s exit from the World Cup, having completed a medical in Kansas. City views Bouaddi and Anderson as their long-term central midfield pairing.
Originally, Lille had hoped that any buying club would allow Bouaddi to be loaned back for the 2026/27 campaign. However, Enzo Maresca’s desire to work with Bouaddi immediately is strong, and City plans to integrate the Moroccan into the squad from day one, with no loan expected. This indicates a clear vision for Bouaddi’s immediate future at the club.
The potential arrival of Bouaddi highlights City’s strategy for strengthening their midfield. Rodri, a key player, is currently contracted for one more season and has been linked with Real Madrid, adding to the importance of securing young talent for the future. City’s pursuit of Bouaddi suggests a commitment to developing a robust midfield for upcoming seasons.
Reports from Italy suggest that City has already reached an agreement in principle with Bouaddi for a contract until 2031.
Read Also
Source: nytimes.com
As News-GB.org's Sports Reporter, Eleanor Vance reports on tennis, cricket and athletics for readers across the country. She built her name on long-form athlete profiles. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Bath and completed an NCTJ diploma. Eleanor lives in Bath, where she swims competitively and follows British athletics. “A profile is only as good as the questions behind it.”