Manchester City is reportedly closing in on a deal for highly-rated Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, with transfer insider Fabrizio Romano confirming accelerating negotiations and growing club confidence.
The Premier League champions are making significant progress in securing the young talent, with Romano indicating that personal terms have already been agreed. Talks between City and Lille have intensified, and the club is optimistic about finalizing the transfer in the coming days.
The exact timing of Bouaddi's integration into the first team could depend on player outgoings, particularly concerning Rodri. Manchester City is exploring options for him to join immediately or potentially in 2027, contingent on midfield movements within the squad.
Should the transfer go through, Bouaddi, an 18-year-old midfielder known for his composure, vision, and ball recovery, is seen as a massive statement signing for manager Enzo Maresca. His skillset aligns perfectly with Maresca's possession-based tactics, offering both immediate quality and long-term security for City's midfield.
Bouaddi's emergence has been notable, with impressive performances for Lille and on the international stage for Morocco. His ability to dictate play from deep positions is highlighted as a key asset that could make him an ideal long-term successor to Rodri, ensuring Manchester City's continued dominance.
