Manchester City are intensifying their pursuit of Lille’s promising teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi this summer. The Premier League club aims to bring the 18-year-old midfielder directly into Enzo Maresca’s first-team squad.

The teenager has become one of the most sought-after young talents in Europe following a standout season with Lille and a strong showing at the World Cup with Morocco.

Advertisement

Bouaddi’s success on the international stage has attracted significant attention from top clubs, with Manchester City now understood to be leading the competition for his signature.

City scouts have monitored the player for over a year and believe his technical ability and maturity make him a future star in the European midfield.

While Manchester United and Arsenal have tracked Bouaddi for the past year, other major clubs have also inquired about his potential transfer.

Lille are not under immediate pressure to sell and likely expect a transfer fee around €100 million for their academy graduate.

Advertisement

Lille president Olivier Letang recently highlighted Bouaddi’s market value, comparing it to significant midfield transfers previously seen in the Premier League.

The French club plans to hold further talks with the midfielder after his return from the World Cup to finalize plans for his future.

One possibility involves a top European club signing him before sending him back to Lille on loan for an additional season to aid his development.

Manchester City, however, prefer to integrate the midfielder into the squad at the Etihad Stadium immediately as they renovate their team for the upcoming season.

Advertisement

The club remains active in the transfer market following the appointment of Enzo Maresca to replace Pep Guardiola, specifically looking to reinforce a midfield that has seen several changes recently.

City officials believe Bouaddi’s composure, tactical intelligence, and ability to control game tempo fit perfectly with their possession-based tactical system.

Despite his young age, the teenager already has over 100 senior appearances for Lille, having competed in Ligue 1, the Champions League, the Europa League, and the Conference League.

His rapid progression earned him a consistent role with the Morocco national team, where he enhanced his reputation with strong performances against elite international opponents.

Advertisement

Although Lille maintain they are not in a rush to sell, Manchester City continue to pursue an agreement as they work to secure one of European football’s most talented young midfielders.