Manchester City are reportedly in advanced negotiations with Lille over the signing of highly rated Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.
The Premier League champions are keen to complete the deal this week as they prepare for the departure of Spain midfielder Rodri to Barcelona.
Lille are understood to value the 18-year-old at around €100 million (£85.6 million), making Bouaddi one of the most expensive young midfielders in the current transfer market.
Bouaddi emerged as one of Morocco’s standout players at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, starting five of the Atlas Lions’ six matches as they reached the quarter-finals.
His reputation had already grown significantly after his impressive performance in Lille’s Champions League victory over Real Madrid in 2024.
A deep-lying midfielder capable of controlling play from the base of midfield, Bouaddi could complement summer signing Elliot Anderson, who can operate as a box-to-box midfielder or in the number six position.
The teenager has made 88 appearances for Lille since making his senior debut in October 2023, just days after his 16th birthday, and helped the French club finish third in Ligue 1 last season.
His rapid rise has seen him break several age-related records at Lille, while his performances against top-level opposition have continued to attract attention from leading European clubs.
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City’s pursuit of Bouaddi comes as Rodri closes in on a £65 million transfer to Barcelona. The 30-year-old is expected to sign a four-year contract with the Catalan club after seven trophy-filled seasons at Manchester City.
Rodri joined City from Atletico Madrid in 2019 for a then club-record £62.8 million and went on to make 298 appearances for the club.
His departure would leave City needing a long-term replacement in midfield, with Bouaddi emerging as a leading candidate.
It remains unclear whether a deal for Bouaddi would affect City’s interest in Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, although sources continue to indicate that the Argentine remains of interest to manager Pep Guardiola’s side.
