Manchester City are set to complete a major midfield addition after agreeing a €100m deal with Lille for 18-year-old Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi, according to reports. The move would make Bouaddi City's second significant midfield acquisition of the summer and the third most expensive signing in the club's history, underlining the scale of the rebuild being overseen by new head coach Enzo Maresca.
The agreed package is understood to consist of an initial fee of around €95m, with a further €5m available in performance-related add-ons. Only Elliot Anderson, who joined City for £116m, and Jack Grealish have ever commanded a higher transfer fee at the Etihad Stadium, placing Bouaddi among an elite group of the club's costliest recruits.
Bouaddi's arrival comes as City continue to reshape their midfield following a summer of significant departures. Captain Bernardo Silva, Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders have all left the club, prompting Maresca's recruitment team to prioritise fresh legs and long-term potential in the centre of the park. The teenager is expected to slot in alongside Anderson as the club looks to build a new engine room capable of sustaining City's ambitions both domestically and in Europe.
A product of Lille's academy, Bouaddi enjoyed a breakout campaign that culminated in an impressive World Cup showing at just 18 years old, catching the eye of several of Europe's leading clubs. He has also represented France at Under-21 level despite going on to commit his senior international future to Morocco, reflecting a dual-nationality background that has become increasingly common among Europe's brightest young talents.
City have reportedly tracked Bouaddi's progress throughout the summer window, viewing him as a long-term investment capable of anchoring the midfield for years to come. He is expected to put pen to paper on a five-year contract once the transfer is finalised, tying him to the club well into the next decade.
The move does not appear to signal the end of City's midfield business, however. The club could also part ways with Nico Gonzalez, who has been linked with a switch to Newcastle United, and reports suggest Maresca's side may yet pursue a third midfield addition before the window closes. Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez has been mentioned as a player of interest, suggesting City are not finished reshaping the heart of their team.
The Bouaddi deal forms part of a broader summer of transition at the Etihad, with City having generated close to £150m in player sales even before factoring in the £85m move of Savinho to Tottenham Hotspur. Departures including goalkeeper James Trafford, defender Nathan Ake, and midfielders Rodri and Reijnders have all contributed to that total, while there remains a possibility that forward Omar Marmoush could also leave before the transfer deadline.
With Maresca settling into his first summer at the helm, City's recruitment strategy appears geared towards blending experience with youthful dynamism, and the pursuit of Bouaddi reflects a broader trend of the club investing heavily in emerging talent rather than solely established stars. Should the deal be finalised as expected, it would represent one of the most eye-catching signings of Bouaddi's young career and a clear statement of intent from City as they look to reassert themselves at the top of English and European football.
Based on reporting from Independent Football.