Manchester City Push for Morocco Wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi in €100m Move After Stunning World Cup Breakthrough

Manchester City have reportedly intensified efforts to sign Lille’s highly-rated midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi following his impressive performances for Morocco at the FIFA World Cup.

According to respected transfer journalist David Ornstein of The Athletic, the Premier League champions are “pushing hard” to secure the signature of the 18-year-old, who has emerged as one of Europe’s brightest young midfield prospects after a standout international tournament.

Bouaddi’s rapid rise has attracted widespread attention from several elite European clubs. However, Manchester City are believed to be leading the race, with Pep Guardiola identifying the youngster as a key part of the club’s long-term midfield rebuilding plans.

Lille are reportedly prepared to consider offers for the Moroccan teenager but have placed a hefty €100 million (£85 million) valuation on him. Club officials are expected to hold discussions with the player’s representatives once he returns from his post-World Cup holiday to assess his future, including the possibility of remaining in France for another season.

Unlike some interested clubs that are willing to sign Bouaddi and immediately loan him back to Lille for further development, Manchester City are said to want him integrated directly into Guardiola’s first-team squad if a deal is completed.

City’s interest comes as the club reshapes its midfield following Bernardo Silva’s departure. The Premier League champions have already strengthened the position with the £116 million signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, but the club is also planning for the future amid uncertainty surrounding several senior midfielders, including Rodri, whose current contract expires in June 2027.

Although Arsenal and Manchester United have maintained contact with Bouaddi’s representatives over the past year, City currently appear to be in pole position to land the gifted midfielder.

The final decision now rests with Bouaddi, who must determine whether he is ready to compete for a place in one of Europe’s strongest squads or continue his development at Lille before making the next step in his career.

Should the transfer materialise, it would represent another major statement of intent from Manchester City as they continue investing in some of world football’s most exciting young talents.