Ayyoub Bouaddi Transfer talks are progressing well with Manchester City reportedly pushing ahead with making the Moroccan international, who was praised for his performance by Lille, their next target after Rodri’s departure to Barcelona.
The 18-year-old midfielder is reportedly valued at some €100 million (£85.6 million), cementing his reputation as one of the most promising young talents for Europe. The City side are said to be hot on the heels, with the preparations for the departure of Rodri to Barcelona set to be finalised in the next few days.
Bouaddi’s performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup notably contributed to Morocco’s march to the quarter-finals, which saw his stock soar. The teenager began five of the side’s six games and displayed a calmness, tactical intelligence and passing game that has got him interest from a number of high-profile European sides.
But the midfielder had already made his continental debut before World Cup. His standout moments with Lille, such as a memorable victory against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League in 2024, cemented his status as one of the brightest talents in European football.
Bouaddi plays mainly in the midfield as a deep-lying midfielder, is a dictator of tempo, a passer of the ball and a screen player for the defence. He fits the bill for a Manchester City midfielder, who is used to attacking with his head up and his gaze fixed on his target. He has been expected to make great form with new signing Elliot Anderson, who can also play in the midfield, in a deeper position.
Bouaddi has since made 88 appearances for Lille, which finished third in the French Ligue 1, since his debut in October 2023 at the age of 16. Bouaddi will now be regarded as a long-term solution who could be one of the core members of the next generation of the club following Rodri’s departure from the club.
