The Manchester City move for a Moroccan sensation takes a familiar turn

The Manchester City move for a Moroccan sensation takes a familiar turn Manchester City remains determined to sign Lille’s 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi this summer. It has seemed that a deal was edging closer to completion . A fresh report from Santi Aouna and Hanif Berkane claimed that Bouaddi is eager to move to the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders, and that a deal between City and Lille was close to completion. The major sticking point was whether or not Ayyoub Bouaddi would sign for City and be loaned back to Lille for the 2026-27 season. However, Lille president Olivier Létang has now shared his views on the future of Ayyoub Bouaddi. The Lille president made a series of bold proclamations regarding his prized asset. But in truth, this is nothing new for Manchester City to contend with. Most recently, City went through a tough negotiation with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis to sign Elliot Anderson, so they’ll be well prepared to deal with Lille president Olivier Létang’s demands and public declarations. Lille president Olivier Létang has laid out the terms for a club to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi this summer. Get Football News France has relayed quotes from Lille president Olivier Létang’s latest press conference. Létang spoke at length on the future of Ayyoub Bouaddi. The Moroccan midfielder is a target for Manchester City to bolster their midfield. Olivier Létang acknowledged that big clubs, particularly one that wears sky blue were interested in signing Bouaddi this summer. However, Létang was firm in his belief that Bouaddi will play for Lille next season. Speaking on Ayyoub Bouaddi’s future, Létang stated: “ I told you last time that I thought Ayyoub (Bouaddi) was going to stay with us, and I still stand by that. The idea remains the same: to have a competitive team. If clubs come in at the end of the transfer window for a particular position and we’re not in a position to replace the player, then we won’t go ahead with the deal .” Olivier Létang added that he believes that Ayyoub Bouaddi wishes to remain at Lille. The Lille president also stated why he believes there is no incentive for Bouaddi to leave the Ligue One club just yet. He explained: “ We’re in regular contact with Ayyoub (Bouaddi); he’s not in a hurry to leave, and he’s very keen to stay here too. When you’re 18 and at a club like LOSC, where you have the opportunity to play a significant number of matches – including in the Champions League – you naturally ask yourself, why leave now? […] I’ll let him speak for himself when the time is right. ” Manchester City will not be phased by the public stance of the Lille president as their transfer negotiations will not be played out in public. Lille president Olivier Létang’s public stance on the future of Ayyoub Bouaddi is understandable. Bouaddi is a key player for Lille, and they will not want to lose him this summer. Also, if they were to lose Bouaddi, they will not want to lose him unless the deal is on their terms. Létang also reiterated the €100 million asking price that Lille have placed on the Moroccan international. Olivier Létang has reinforced the terms that it will take for Manchester City, or any other club to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi. Nothing that was said by the Lille president was outlandish or controversial. The Lille president just reiterated the terms that would see Bouaddi depart the Ligue One side. From a Manchester City point of view, they won’t be discouraged by Olivier Létang’s public comments. It has been reported for some time that negotiations between City and Lille remain ongoing. As Santi Aouna and Hanif Berkane reported, a deal between the two clubs isn’t far off. The major sticking point looks to be if Bouaddi will be loaned back to Lille if City do indeed sign him. Manchester City will continue their negotiations to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille. The public statement from Lille president Olivier Létang is unlikely to change how City pursue a move for Bouaddi. However, Olivier Létang has reiterated his club’s view on Ayyoub Bouaddi, so City will likely have to pay a premium to sign the Moroccan midfielder.