Who is Ayyoub Bouaddi?

Ayyoub Bouaddi is an 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder who currently plays for Lille and is considered one of the most promising young players in his position.

How much is Lille asking for Bouaddi?

According to Klix.ba, Lille are demanding €130 million, while Goal.com reports that the initial asking price was €100 million, but negotiations have reduced the figure to between €70 million and €80 million.

When could Bouaddi join Manchester City?

Bouaddi wants to move to City immediately, not in 2027. If the clubs reach an agreement, the transfer could be finalized in the coming days.

Football

City Agree Personal Terms with Bouaddi

Q: Who will Bouaddi replace at Manchester City?

Bouaddi is arriving as a replacement for Rodri, whose move to Barcelona is expected to be confirmed later this week.

N.G. · Prije 3h | 2 min

Young Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi has accepted Manchester City's offer, with final negotiations with Lille over a fee for the 18-year-old now underway.

Summary

Ayyoub Bouaddi (18) has agreed personal terms with Manchester City.
Lille are demanding between €70 million and €130 million in compensation, depending on the source.
Bouaddi wants to join City immediately, not in 2027, as a replacement for Rodri, who is heading to Barcelona.
City have already signed Elliott Anderson this summer for £116 million, and total spending could reach £200 million.

Manchester City have taken a key step towards securing one of the most sought-after young midfielders in Europe. Ayyoub Bouaddi, the 18-year-old Lille player and Moroccan international, has reached an agreement on personal terms with the English champions, moving the transfer into its final stages.

The news was confirmed on Sunday, August 10, 2026, by renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano via social media platform X. "Ayyoub Bouaddi and his camp have reached an agreement on personal terms with Manchester City. City are expected to finalize the deal with Lille in the next step, which is already at an advanced stage as Bouaddi prefers to join City immediately rather than in 2027," Romano wrote.

Lille Demand €130 Million, City Negotiate

Although the player has said "yes," the hardest part of the deal now follows: convincing Lille to let him go immediately. The French club is well aware of the value of their gem and is demanding a staggering €130 million. On the other hand, Goal.com reports that Lille initially asked for around €100 million (£86 million), but negotiations have brought the price down to between €70 million and €80 million.

Last season (2025/26), Bouaddi started 35 matches and came off the bench five times for Lille in Ligue 1 and the Europa League, and further boosted his profile with five appearances for Morocco at the World Cup. In total, he has made 63 appearances for the French club.

Rodri's Successor in Midfield

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca sees Bouaddi as a direct replacement for Rodri, whose move to Barcelona is expected to be confirmed later this week. The arrival of the young Moroccan is part of a major overhaul of the Premier League champions' midfield.

City have already signed Elliott Anderson from Nottingham Forest this summer for £116 million, and with the potential addition of Bouaddi, the club's total summer spending at the Etihad could reach £200 million. Negotiations between the clubs have intensified in recent weeks, and with the player insisting on an immediate move to England, there is optimism that the deal will be concluded in the coming days.