Manchester City have stepped up their pursuit of highly rated Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, with the Premier League champions reportedly making the 18-year-old one of their priority transfer targets following his impressive performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to reports from respected transfer journalist David Ornstein of The Athletic, Pep Guardiola’s side are actively working to secure the signature of the Lille midfielder, who has emerged as one of the brightest young talents in European football. City are believed to view Bouaddi as a long-term cornerstone of their midfield and are prepared to compete with several elite clubs for his services.
Lille, however, are determined not to lose one of their prized assets cheaply. The French club have reportedly placed a valuation of €100 million (£85 million) on the teenager, making him one of the most expensive young midfielders in world football should the transfer be completed.
The substantial asking price reflects Bouaddi’s remarkable rise over the past two seasons and the growing belief that he possesses the qualities to become one of Europe’s elite midfielders.
City’s interest has intensified after the Moroccan international delivered a series of composed and mature displays during the FIFA World Cup, helping Morocco once again establish themselves among the continent’s strongest football nations.
Despite his age, Bouaddi displayed remarkable confidence against some of the world’s best players. His ability to dictate possession, recover the ball, break opposition attacks and launch forward moves earned widespread praise from coaches, analysts and scouts attending the tournament.
His World Cup performances significantly increased his market value, attracting serious attention from several major European clubs.
Manchester City are understood to be leading the race, although Arsenal and Manchester United have continued monitoring the youngster over the past year.
Unlike some rival clubs that are reportedly willing to allow Bouaddi to remain at Lille on loan for another season, City intend to integrate him directly into Pep Guardiola’s first-team squad should an agreement be reached.
The Etihad hierarchy reportedly believe the midfielder possesses the technical intelligence and tactical discipline required to adapt immediately to Guardiola’s demanding playing philosophy.
City’s determination to strengthen their midfield follows significant changes within the squad.
The recent departure of Bernardo Silva has created space for another creative midfielder, while uncertainty also surrounds the long-term futures of several experienced players.
The club has already invested heavily this summer, completing the £116 million signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest in one of the biggest transfers of the window.
Adding Bouaddi would further reinforce City’s midfield for both the present and the future as they continue preparing for another campaign competing for Premier League, UEFA Champions League and domestic cup honours.
Rodri remains one of the first names on Guardiola’s team sheet, but with the Spanish international entering the later stages of his current contract, City are carefully planning the next generation of midfield leaders.
Bouaddi is widely viewed as a player capable of eventually succeeding some of the club’s experienced stars.
Born in France and eligible to represent multiple nations, Bouaddi chose to commit his international future to Morocco, becoming part of the country’s exciting new generation of footballers.
He developed through Lille’s renowned youth academy, one of France’s most respected talent production systems, where coaches quickly recognised his exceptional football intelligence and maturity.
Making his senior debut at a remarkably young age, Bouaddi rapidly established himself as one of Ligue 1’s most promising midfielders.
His playing style combines composure under pressure with outstanding passing ability, tactical awareness and defensive discipline. Comfortable operating as a defensive midfielder, central midfielder or deep-lying playmaker, he possesses the versatility modern coaches value highly.
Football experts have frequently compared aspects of his game to some of Europe’s finest midfielders because of his calm decision-making and ability to control the rhythm of matches.
His impressive performances at Lille have been matched by rapid progress on the international stage.
During Morocco’s World Cup campaign, Bouaddi demonstrated maturity far beyond his years, consistently competing against elite opposition while showing confidence in possession and excellent positional awareness.
The tournament further strengthened Morocco’s growing reputation for producing technically gifted young footballers capable of succeeding at the highest level.
Lille are expected to hold discussions with the player’s representatives after he returns from his post-World Cup holiday.
While the French club remain open to negotiations, they are under no financial pressure to sell immediately and will only consider offers that match their valuation.
The €100 million asking price is also viewed as a strategy to discourage opportunistic bids while protecting one of the club’s most valuable assets.
Should Manchester City proceed with a formal offer, negotiations are expected to become one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer.
For Bouaddi, the coming weeks could define the next chapter of an already remarkable career.
Remaining at Lille would guarantee regular first-team football and continued development in Ligue 1, while a move to Manchester City would provide an opportunity to learn under Pep Guardiola and compete alongside some of the world’s best players.
The decision will not only shape his future but could also become one of the headline transfers of the 2026 summer transfer window.
If City succeed in completing the deal, they will have secured one of football’s most exciting young midfielders and another player capable of leading the club’s next generation of domestic and European success.
