Lille OSC president Olivier Létang has publicly urged teenage midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi to resist advances from the Premier League and spend another season in France. The 18-year-old Morocco international has attracted intense interest from England following his performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but Létang believes the player should continue his development at the Stade Pierre Mauroy rather than seek an immediate move abroad.
Manchester City are reportedly pushing hard to secure Bouaddi’s signature ahead of the new campaign. The Premier League champions would not consider loaning the player back to Lille should an agreement be reached, removing one potential compromise that would allow the teenager to gain immediate first-team experience while formally changing clubs.
Premier League Chase Intensifies
City face competition from domestic rivals for the highly-rated youngster. Arsenal and Manchester United are also monitoring the situation closely, creating a three-way contest for one of Europe’s most sought-after prospects. However, Paris Saint-Germain are understood to have stepped back from pursuing a midfielder this summer, eliminating a significant domestic threat to Lille’s hopes of retaining their asset.
Lille have placed a €100 million valuation on Bouaddi, reflecting both his current ability and substantial future potential. The midfielder first appeared in the UEFA Champions League at the age of 16, establishing himself as one of the continent’s most precocious talents long before his recent World Cup outings with Morocco. His display against Brazil during the tournament particularly enhanced his reputation among scouts.
President’s Stance
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Létang confirmed he had met with Bouaddi following Morocco’s return from North America. While declining to reveal specifics of their conversation, the Lille president made his preference for the player’s immediate future abundantly clear.
“Everything is possible, but my opinion is that he should stay with us another season,” Létang stated. “My conviction is that there is a strong chance that he stays with us and he would be very happy to do so.”
The firm stance creates direct tension with Manchester City’s reported determination to complete a transfer during the current window. For a player who has already demonstrated remarkable maturity on European football’s biggest stages, the choice between remaining in Ligue 1 and moving to the Premier League represents a pivotal juncture in his early career.