Manchester City have identified Ayyoub Bouaddi as a priority target to strengthen Enzo Maresca’s squad this summer, though Lille have placed a €100 million valuation on the teenage midfielder.
The 18-year-old Moroccan international has attracted significant interest from major European clubs following an impressive tournament at the FIFA World Cup. City are currently positioned at the front of the queue for his signature, though the Ligue 1 side’s nine-figure asking price presents a substantial obstacle to any prospective deal.
Bouaddi, who represents Morocco internationally despite being born in France, has emerged as one of the most promising young midfield talents in Europe. His performances at the World Cup showcased composure and tactical intelligence that belie his limited professional experience.
Development plan revised
Initially, Manchester City considered acquiring Bouaddi and immediately loaning him back to Lille for the forthcoming season to gain further first-team experience in familiar surroundings. However, the Premier League champions have since revised their strategic approach.
The club now believes the French-born midfielder would benefit most from developing directly at the Etihad Stadium under Maresca’s guidance, rather than returning to France. This shift indicates City view him as sufficiently mature for immediate integration into the first-team environment.
Negotiation challenges ahead
Despite City’s strong interest and their altered development plan, significant uncertainty remains over whether Lille are prepared to negotiate below their €100 million valuation. The substantial fee reflects both Bouaddi’s demonstrated potential and current market conditions.
The coming weeks will determine whether Manchester City are willing to meet Lille’s financial demands or pivot toward alternative midfield reinforcements as Maresca continues reshaping his squad ahead of the new campaign.