Manchester City have finalized an agreement in principle to sign 18-year-old Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi for a total package worth 100 million euros, or approximately £85.6 million. The deal for the Morocco international, who recently starred at the World Cup, includes an initial payment of £81.4 million supplemented by £4.2 million in potential add-ons.
The transfer marks a significant move for Enzo Maresca’s squad as they look to bolster their central midfield options. This area became a priority following the departures of Rodri, who joined Barcelona for £65 million, and Tijjani Reinders, who moved to Al-Qadsiah for £52 million. The club has already invested heavily in the position this summer, having previously acquired England midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million.
While the Bouaddi deal is set to proceed, City’s recruitment efforts continue, with the club maintaining interest in Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, though the feasibility of that transfer remains uncertain. The team is currently preparing for their Premier League season opener against Bournemouth this Sunday at 14:00 BST, looking to bounce back following their Community Shield defeat to Arsenal last weekend. The report also notes that sport reported earlier this week that the two clubs were in advanced talks over a deal for the Morocco international to join City.
