Manchester City’s direct Lille talks underline Bouaddi pursuit

Manchester City have opened direct talks with Lille about signing 18‑year‑old Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, according to cite director of football Hugo Viana’s involvement despite the club’s pending acquisition of Elliot Anderson. The contact, confirmed by Deportes journalist Javier Rodríguez Pascual and further corroborated by Matteo Moretto, marks a step up from prior monitoring. Ayyoub Bouaddi, 18, is a Moroccan midfielder at Lille. Over the past 12 months he has been described as one of the most coveted young midfield talents in Europe, praised for composure, technical quality and maturity. Manchester City’s interest continues despite the club’s imminent signing of 18‑year‑old Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. The pursuit also unfolds while the long‑term future of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri at the Etihad remains uncertain.

Manchester City targets Moroccan star Ayyoub Bouaddi

Director of football Hugo Viana has moved beyond mere monitoring and has initiated direct contact with Lille officials. Viana’s involvement signals that City are actively exploring a potential summer deal for the Morocco international. Deportes journalist Javier Rodríguez Pascual reported that City are now the best positioned club to acquire Bouaddi. Matteo Moretto corroborated the claim, noting that City officials have already engaged Lille in dialogue about a possible transfer.

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Incoming manager Enzo Maresca’s midfield rebuild is already taking shape with Anderson’s arrival, but Viana’s interest suggests ambitions extend beyond a single signing. Should Rodri depart on a free transfer in 2027, the need for an additional midfield option would become more pressing. Bouaddi’s profile—young, technically adept and already proven in Ligue 1—fits the description of a long‑term investment for the club. Since replacing Txiki Begiristain as sporting director, Viana has favoured players who can develop within City’s system rather than merely supplement it. Whether a deal can be structured to satisfy Lille’s expectations for one of their prized assets remains to be seen.