Manchester City is aggressively pursuing Ayyoub Bouaddi, the 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder currently at Lille, in a deal that could reach €100 million.
Bouaddi, born in 2007, has emerged as one of European football’s most coveted young talents after a breakout season that earned him international caps for Morocco. Lille is demanding between €80 million and €100 million for a player whose contract runs through 2029, giving the French club serious leverage at the negotiating table.
The transfer arms race and its financial footprint
Lille president Olivier Létang has reportedly referenced Manchester City’s own recent spending to justify the asking price. The club’s record signing of Elliot Anderson for £116 million and the £100 million move involving Sandro Tonali have set new benchmarks for midfield valuations.
City views Bouaddi as a versatile asset, potentially deployable in midfield and at right-back.
