Manchester City are ready to make Ayyoub Bouaddi a central figure in Enzo Maresca's new-look team immediately if they are able to negotiate a deal for one of the World Cup's breakout stars. Bouaddi enjoyed a terrific tournament at the heart of Morocco's midfield and played an influential role in their run to the World Cup quarter-finals, where they were bested by France.
Interest from Premier League Giants
With the 18-year-old having been afforded time to process Morocco's exit, his future has now come into focus with a number of elite clubs understood to be courting him. Among them are some of the Premier League's biggest clubs, including Manchester City, who have already signed Elliot Anderson in a huge £116million deal this summer. That significant outlay has not affected their interest in Bouaddi - even though Lille would demand around €100m (£85m) to sell their young midfield maestro.
According to The Guardian, not only are Manchester City 'intent' on signing Bouaddi, they are ready to integrate him into Maresca's first-team plans immediately despite his tender years: a factor which could give them the edge over some of their rivals. Arsenal and Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in the midfielder, whose 6ft 1in frame means City have no qualms over his ability to handle the physical demands of the Premier League.
Viana's Admiration and Maresca's New Era
The report goes on to add that City's director of football, Hugo Viana, is a huge admirer of Bouaddi's 'technical ability and positional sense'. Manchester City are about to embark on a new era under Maresca following the departure of Pep Guardiola, who oversaw a decade of domestic dominance. Midfield has been an area of focus in the transfer window with a deal for Anderson already signed and sealed. Bouaddi would further strengthen a squad that is expected to continue challenging for the game's biggest prizes under their new manager.
Bouaddi's World Cup Performance and Potential
The uber-talented teenager started all but one of Morocco's six games at the World Cup, including their defeat to the tournament's red-hot favourites, France. Bouaddi made his senior debut for Lille just after turning 16 and would stand to become one of the most expensive teenage footballers of all time if the Ligue 1 club's demands are met.
