Manchester City is progressing rapidly in negotiations to acquire 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, with the club hoping to finalize the deal within the week. The French club is seeking €100 million (£85.6 million) for the talented midfielder. This pursuit comes as Manchester City moves forward with the sale of Rodri to Barcelona, freeing up resources for the transfer.
Bouaddi has gained significant attention through impressive performances on the international stage and at club level. The young midfielder featured prominently for Morocco during this summer’s World Cup, starting in five of their six matches as the team reached the quarter-finals. Additionally, his performances in Lille’s Champions League campaign against top-tier opposition have established him as a prospect with considerable potential. Since his debut in October 2023, Bouaddi has made 88 appearances for Lille and played a key role in the club’s third-place finish in Ligue 1.
Bouaddi’s playing style would complement Manchester City’s existing midfield options, particularly Elliot Anderson, who was recruited during the summer transfer window. The young Moroccan operates as a deep-lying playmaker, bringing different qualities to the squad’s midfield setup. Meanwhile, Rodri’s departure to Barcelona for £65 million represents a significant change for Manchester City’s midfield composition.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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