Every indication is that elegant Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi is the second midfielder that Manchester City are aiming to sign this summer. Signing Bouaddi is imperative for City to future-proof their midfield. The 18-year-old Moroccan international looms as a player that City could build their midfield around for the long term. Bouaddi’s ability to maintain possession, read the game, and drive the ball up the pitch at such a young age makes him one of the most highly rated young midfielders in European football. It has now been reported that Manchester City are confident of agreeing to a deal with Lille to sign Bouaddi as their midfield revamp is seemingly taking shape.
Manchester City are confident of landing one of the most sought-after midfielders available.
Jack Johnson has reported for TeamTalk that Manchester City are increasingly confident that they will agree to a deal with Lille to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi. Furthermore, it is also reported that if City do agree to sign the Moroccan international from Lille, they will not be loaning him back to the Ligue One side. According to Jack Johnson’s report, Lille are asking for £85.3 million to sell their prized asset. They would demand £68 million if Bouaddi was loaned back to them for next season. The indication is that City will pay around £85 million to sign Bouaddi, provided that they settle on a deal with Lille.
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Signing Ayyoub Bouaddi now looks to be a major priority for City based on Rodri’s situation.
The midfield situation at Manchester City is ever-evolving. It would seem that the chances that Rodri could leave City for Real Madrid this summer have increased exponentially. City do still have Nico Gonzalez who could attempt to fill that particular void. The possibility that Nico O’Reilly could move into midfield is also a possibility. Elliot Anderson’s arrival at the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders adds another quality midfielder to their ranks. However, if Rodri leaves, even if he stays, Manchester City do need another midfielder, especially one who could one day replace Rodri. Ayyoub Bouaddi does loom as that player.
Ayyoub Bouaddi is a player who could become a long-term asset for Manchester City. Of course, they have to sign him from Lille first. Bouaddi’s age and already established pedigree make him an elite long-term prospect for the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders. Finding a player, especially a midfielder, with those traits is particularly challenging. City seems to have identified Bouaddi as their target and are determined to sign him.
Manchester City’s confidence is growing that they will sign Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille this summer. Bouaddi’s star rose due to his exceptional performances for Morocco at the World Cup, and City will hope to secure his signing sooner rather than later.