Man City agree personal terms with Ayyoub Bouaddi as Lille talks continue

Man City agree personal terms with Ayyoub Bouaddi as Lille talks continue Manchester City have moved a step closer to signing Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi after reaching a verbal agreement with the teenage midfielder. Transfer journalist Matteo Moretto reports that personal terms are no longer an issue, with the focus now shifting to finalising an agreement between the two clubs. Negotiations are understood to be progressing well, although discussions remain over when Bouaddi would make the move to England. Lille are pushing for the 18-year-old to remain at the club on loan for the 2026/27 campaign, believing another season of regular football would be the ideal next step in his development. Manchester City, however, would prefer the Morocco international to join Enzo Maresca’s squad immediately. Finding common ground on that issue is now expected to determine how quickly the transfer can be completed. Bouaddi has emerged as one of Europe’s most sought-after young midfielders after breaking into Lille’s first team at an exceptionally young age. His composure in possession, tactical intelligence and maturity have attracted admirers across the continent, with several elite clubs monitoring his progress over the past year. Manchester City’s pursuit reflects the club’s continued investment in elite young talent capable of developing into first-team regulars. Recent recruitment has balanced established stars with highly rated prospects, allowing City to strengthen both their immediate squad and their long-term future. Bouaddi is widely viewed as fitting that profile. Lille, meanwhile, are keen to avoid losing another key player without ensuring the midfielder’s development continues uninterrupted. The French club have built a reputation for nurturing some of Europe’s finest young players before selling them for substantial fees, and Bouaddi is regarded internally as another player capable of following that pathway. Allowing him to spend one more season in Ligue 1 while competing in the UEFA Champions League would represent Lille’s preferred outcome. Manchester City’s position is different. The Premier League club believe Bouaddi has already shown enough quality to begin adapting to English football and are exploring whether a deal can be structured to bring him to the Etihad Stadium this summer. With a verbal agreement already in place between City and the player, negotiations are now centred entirely on reaching a compromise with Lille. Should the clubs bridge that final gap, Bouaddi appears destined to become Manchester City’s latest addition as they continue investing in the next generation of European talent.