Manchester City have completed an agreement in principle valued at 100 million euros (£86m) to acquire 18-year-old Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, the Morocco international who impressed at the World Cup.
The two clubs had been engaged in advanced negotiations over the transfer, and terms are now settled for Bouaddi to join manager Enzo Maresca's squad. The teenager is expected to finalise his move to England imminently.
This acquisition comes as City reshape their midfield following significant departures. The club sold captain Rodri to Barcelona in a deal worth approximately £65m, with the full package potentially reaching €76.5m, completed on 16 August 2026. Midfielder Tijani Reinders also departed the club during the same transfer window, prompting City to prioritise central midfield reinforcement.
Despite securing Bouaddi, City continue to monitor other targets. The Premier League side remain keen on Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, though whether a deal materialises remains uncertain at this stage.
