Manchester, England (Running Africa) — Manchester City are pushing to sign Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille in a potential €100 million (£85.6 million) transfer as the Premier League champions prepare for the departure of Rodri to Barcelona.

City are in advanced negotiations with the French club over the highly rated 18-year-old and are reportedly hoping to complete a deal this week as they reshape their midfield ahead of the new season.

Bouaddi has emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting young midfielders, combining extensive club experience for his age with a growing international profile following his performances for Morocco at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Manchester City in Advanced Talks for Ayyoub Bouaddi

Manchester City have identified Bouaddi as a major target as they prepare for a significant transition in midfield.

Lille values the Moroccan international at around €100 million, a fee that would underline City’s belief in his potential to develop into one of Europe’s leading midfielders.

Negotiations are understood to have advanced, with the English champions looking to conclude the transfer as they continue shaping their squad.

At just 18, Bouaddi would arrive as an investment for the future but with considerably more senior experience than most players of his age.

Morocco Midfielder Has Already Made 88 Lille Appearances

Bouaddi’s rise through European football has been unusually rapid.

He made his Lille first-team debut shortly after turning 16 and has since accumulated 88 senior appearances for the Ligue 1 club.

His breakthrough onto the wider European stage accelerated during Lille’s memorable Champions League victory over Real Madrid in 2024.

Playing on his 17th birthday, Bouaddi produced an assured midfield performance against the Spanish giants, drawing widespread attention for his composure, technical ability, and maturity. Since then, his reputation has continued to grow.

Bouaddi Shines for Morocco at 2026 FIFA World Cup

Bouaddi further strengthened his profile during Morocco’s run to the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Despite being one of the youngest players in the squad, the midfielder started five of Morocco’s six matches, establishing himself as an important part of the Atlas Lions’ midfield.

His performances on the global stage demonstrated his ability to compete under pressure at the highest level and reinforced his status as one of the leading young talents in African football.

That combination of Champions League, Ligue 1, and World Cup experience has now put him firmly on Manchester City’s radar.

Manchester City Prepare for Rodri’s Barcelona Departure

City’s pursuit of Bouaddi comes as Rodri prepares to leave Manchester after seven trophy-filled seasons and join Barcelona.

The Spanish midfielder has been central to City’s success, making his departure one of the most significant changes to the club’s midfield in recent years.

Replacing his influence will be a major challenge, but Bouaddi is being viewed as a potential long-term successor rather than simply a short-term replacement.

His ability to operate centrally, retain possession, and dictate the tempo of matches makes him an attractive option as City builds the next generation of its midfield.

Ayyoub Bouaddi Could Become Morocco’s Next Premier League Star

A €100 million move would represent another major milestone in Bouaddi’s extraordinary rise from Lille academy prospect to one of Europe’s most valuable young midfielders.

It would also place another Moroccan international at the center of the Premier League, further reflecting the growing prominence of African players at Europe’s biggest clubs.

For Manchester City, Bouaddi represents both immediate quality and long-term potential as they prepare for life after one of their most influential players.

For Morocco, the move would provide another indication of the generation of talent emerging around the Atlas Lions following their continued success on the international stage.

With negotiations progressing, Ayyoub Bouaddi’s potential Manchester City transfer could become one of the biggest moves of the summer window.