Manchester City Agree €100m Deal for Ayyoub Bouaddi

Manchester City have struck an agreement in principle worth 100m euros (£86m) to sign 18-year-old Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, underlining just how aggressively they are moving to rebuild the heart of Enzo Maresca’s team.

Talks between City and Lille accelerated this week, with BBC Sport revealing the clubs were in advanced negotiations for the Morocco international. Those discussions have now produced a deal, clearing the way for Bouaddi to complete what has become a drawn-out switch to England.

The teenager is expected to join up with Maresca’s squad once the final formalities are done, a move that fits directly into City’s wider reshaping of their midfield. With Rodri and Tijani Reijnders both sold, central midfield has turned from a position of long-term stability into the club’s main area of urgency.

City’s hierarchy have responded by going big on potential. Bouaddi, still only 18, arrives with a reputation as one of Ligue 1’s most exciting young midfielders and a full international for Morocco already on his CV. The fee reflects that belief: this is not a low-risk punt, it is a statement.

The recruitment drive is not finished. City remain keen on Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez as they look to add further quality and experience to Maresca’s options. Whether they can tempt Chelsea into doing business, and at what price, is the next battle in a summer that is rapidly reshaping City’s midfield identity.