Manchester City are confident of landing Morocco star Ayyoub Bouaddi in an £85m deal before the end of this week. Etihad bosses have advanced talks with their Lille counterparts following the sale of Rodri to Barcelona. The teenage sensation has told his club he wants to leave to join the English giants.
Five-year deal and World Cup impact
It's understood Bouaddi will agree a five-year deal with City, keeping him at the Etihad until 2031 at least. Bouaddi, 18, has emerged as one of the most talented and exciting teenagers in world football. City chiefs kept close tabs on his progress at this summer's World Cup, once it became clear Rodri would be leaving to return to Spain. Bouaddi impressed at the tournament, starting five of Morocco's six matches in their run to the last eight.
Chairman impressed and ideal fit
City chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak has been impressed with how Bouaddi has been able to step up on the big occasions as his burgeoning career has developed. Senior club figures believe Bouaddi's ability to remain unfazed and compete against more senior and experienced players makes him an ideal fit for the City team.
Replacing Bernardo Silva and Lille record
New City boss Enzo Maresca regards Bouaddi as the ideal, long-term replacement for Bernardo Silva, who joined Real Madrid at the end of last season. Before the World Cup, Bouaddi had a starring role in Lille's shock Champions League win over Real Madrid in 2024, when he announced himself onto the big stage. Bouaddi has made 88 appearances for Lille since making his debut in October 2023, three days after turning 16, and helped them finish third in Ligue One last season. He also broke a record held by Eden Hazard, after making 50 Ligue One appearances for Lille at the age of just 18.
Rodri replacement still sought
City are still keen to sign a direct replacement for holding midfielder Rodri, but talks with Chelsea about a deal for Enzo Fernandez have stalled.
