Manchester City’s £70m gamble on Lille’s versatile Bouaddi

Manchester City are poised to secure Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for a reported fee of around £70 million, with the English club reportedly ready to loan the 22‑year‑old back to the French side for a season. The deal would see the France‑born player join the Premier League champions.

Manchester United, Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Liverpool have all been linked with Bouaddi, underscoring the midfielder’s growing reputation across Europe. Their interest follows his pivotal role in Lille’s recent Champions League qualification.

Lille are prepared to sell Bouaddi for roughly £70 million but prefer a one‑year loan to ensure his continued development in France. The Athletic City are open to this arrangement, which would see the player remain at Lille for the 2024‑25 campaign.

Enzo Maresca, Manchester City’s manager, is keen to bolster his midfield options after Rodri’s upcoming surgery will leave a void at the start of the season. Bouaddi’s ability to operate as a right‑back also matches City’s identified need to strengthen that position.

The club have already secured England international Elliot Anderson and may see departures for Mateo Kovacic and Nico Gonzalez to free up space. With Rodri sidelined, City’s midfield depth has become a priority in the transfer window.

City’s interest extends to Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali, though Tottenham Hotspur are also pursuing the midfielder. West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes has been linked with the English side as an additional option.

Last season Bouaddi helped Lille clinch a Champions League spot, and he featured prominently as Morocco reached the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His performances have shown he can compete alongside more‑established stars on the international stage.

For Lille, a loan‑back deal would preserve Bouaddi’s growth while delivering a substantial fee, whereas Manchester City would gain a versatile midfielder capable of filling multiple roles as they navigate a season without Rodri.