Manchester City are targeting Lille’s 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi in a deal worth €100m (£85m). The Morocco international has attracted interest from several clubs after impressing at the World Cup, and City view the teenager as a long-term investment despite the significant fee.
Bouaddi started five of Morocco’s six matches at the tournament, including the 2-0 quarter-final defeat by France. It was only his eighth appearance for the national team. The midfielder made his professional debut for Lille against Ki in a Europa Conference League group match in October 2023, becoming the youngest player to appear in the competition at 16 years and three days.
Hugo Viana, the club’s director of football, admires the teenager’s technical ability and positional sense. There is little concern about whether the 6ft 1in player can handle the physical demands of English football. Manager Enzo Maresca intends to integrate Bouaddi into the first-team squad next season.
Securing Bouaddi would take City’s summer spending to £200m on two players, following the £116m signing of Elliott Anderson from Nottingham Forest.
United add experienced goalkeeper
Manchester United have confirmed the signing of 35-year-old goalkeeper Karl Darlow from Leeds. The veteran has agreed a two-year contract after leaving Leeds last month and will compete with Senne Lammens for a starting role.
Darlow expressed his enthusiasm for the move, stating: “I am extremely proud to sign for Manchester United – this is a really special opportunity. Everyone can see what an exciting time it is for the club and I cannot wait to play my part in supporting my team mates – and helping to drive the group forwards.”
Jason Wilcox, United’s director of football, welcomed the addition: “Karl has proven his ability to perform at the highest level, his work ethic and determined personality make him a really strong addition to our squad. We are delighted to add a player of his quality.”
Darlow has made 279 career appearances, including 74 in the Premier League.