Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has emphasized the need for patience regarding 18-year-old signing Ayyoub Bouaddi, despite the midfielder arriving from Lille for an initial fee of 100 million euros (£85.6 million, $117 million). While the Moroccan international, who starred in his nation’s run to the World Cup quarter-finals, is considered “ready to go” for his debut against Crystal Palace this Friday, Maresca is wary of placing excessive pressure on the teenager.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Thursday, Maresca noted that while Bouaddi possesses a maturity beyond his years, the club must manage his transition carefully. “He doesn’t look 18—he looks older which is important, but in this case we need to go slowly because he is young and came from a different country,” the manager explained. He added that while Bouaddi will contribute both now and in the future, the coaching staff’s priority is to avoid overwhelming him during his early days in the Premier League.
Bouaddi’s arrival follows a significant midfield overhaul at the Etihad Stadium, which saw the departures of Rodri, Tijjani Reijnders, and Nico Gonzalez. The squad has also seen the exits of Bernardo Silva and John Stones following the conclusion of Pep Guardiola’s decade-long tenure. Amid these changes, Maresca is actively looking to bolster his leadership group, noting that the club is waiting to see if they can appoint one or two additional captains to join current leaders Ruben Dias and Erling Haaland.
The club remains active in the transfer market, with a move for Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez—who previously played under Maresca at Stamford Bridge—expected before the window closes next week. These reinforcements are seen as vital as Maresca adjusts to the challenge of succeeding Guardiola. The team’s start to the season has been mixed, following a 3-0 Community Shield defeat to Arsenal and a narrow 2-1 victory over Bournemouth, secured by late goals from Marc Guehi and Josko Gvardiol.
Regarding team fitness for the upcoming trip to Selhurst Park, Maresca confirmed that Jeremy Doku will be sidelined due to injury. However, Elliot Anderson is available for selection after recovering from the cramp that forced his early exit during his league debut last weekend. The report also notes that don’t put pressure on him, he is young and he needs time, it is my job and it’s the club’s job to manage him in the best way.
