Man City ‘agree’ long-term deal with Morocco’s Ayoub Bouaddi as talks intensify with Lille

Manchester City have reportedly reached a verbal agreement with rising Moroccan star Ayoub Bouaddi on a long-term contract running until 2031, as the Premier League champions push hard to finalise a deal with French club Lille.

The English giants have accelerated negotiations with Lille in recent days, aiming to secure the transfer of one of Europe’s most highly rated young midfield talents before rival clubs can intervene.

Italian transfer journalist Nicolo Schira revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that City and Bouaddi have already settled personal terms, leaving agreement over the transfer fee with Lille as the final major hurdle.

City move early to beat European rivals

According to Schira, Manchester City are acting “strongly” and “early” in order to close the deal ahead of two other major European clubs who have also expressed serious interest in the Moroccan.

The identity of the rival teams has not been disclosed, but their involvement has helped trigger an accelerated push from the Etihad hierarchy to wrap up negotiations swiftly.

Bouaddi, who has emerged as one of Lille’s standout young prospects, is viewed inside Manchester City as a long-term project player with the potential to develop into a future star under Pep Guardiola’s system.

World Cup display puts Bouaddi on elite clubs’ radar

City’s interest intensified after Bouaddi’s performances for Lille were followed by an eye-catching campaign with Morocco at the 2026 World Cup, where he is said to have delivered a standout display against Brazil.

That performance, described as “stunning” in local coverage, significantly raised his profile and drew the attention of top clubs across the continent, reinforcing the view that he is ready to take the next step in his career.

Bouaddi’s rapid rise underscores the growing reputation of Moroccan players in European football, following in the footsteps of several compatriots who have become key figures at leading clubs in recent years.

Growing focus on Moroccan talent

The move by Manchester City highlights a broader shift in recruitment strategies among Europe’s elite, with increasing emphasis on scouting North African and particularly Moroccan talent at an earlier stage of development.

Bouaddi has quickly become one of the most closely monitored Moroccan youngsters in Europe, with regular scouting visits and detailed data analysis conducted by multiple leading clubs.

Manchester City’s decision to push aggressively for an early agreement appears designed to pre-empt an expected bidding war, should Bouaddi continue his current trajectory.

Career-defining step on the horizon

If City can reach a final agreement with Lille over the transfer fee and structure of the deal, Bouaddi would be set for the most significant move of his career so far, joining one of the most dominant clubs in European football.

Such a transfer would mark the beginning of a new chapter in his professional journey, offering him the chance to compete at the highest level domestically and in the Champions League, while further cementing Morocco’s growing influence on the European game.

No official announcement has yet been made by either club, but negotiations are understood to be at an advanced stage, with Manchester City increasingly confident of adding Bouaddi to their long-term plans.