Manchester City Are In The Running For This Lille Midfielder: A Star In The Making?

In a recent post on X, journalist Ben Jacobs mentioned that Manchester City are in the running for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. It has been stated that the Mancunian giants have made progress in their attempts to sign the Morocco international this summer.

Bouaddi’s Impressive Rise In French Football

Bouaddi enjoyed a good run of form at the French club as he produced a series of impressive displays for them in the middle of the park. The 18-year-old picked up one assist in 42 appearances for Lille last season across multiple competitions.

The Moroccan talent is currently one of the most gifted central midfielders in Ligue 1. Hence, Man City would be wise to move in for him later this year.

His current contract at the French club will run out in the summer of 2029, which could make it tough for the Mancunian club to sign him on a cut-price deal in this transfer period.

HOUSTON, TEXAS – JULY 04: Ayyoub Bouaddi #6 of Morocco competes for the ball against Stephen Eustaquio #7 of Canada during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Canada and Morocco at Houston Stadium on July 04, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Manchester City Are In The Running To Sign Bouaddi: Is He A Star In The Making?

Bouaddi is a good tackler of the ball and can scan the danger well to earn possession back for his team in the middle of the park. He doesn’t mind putting his foot through the ball when required and is a good passer as well.

The Moroccan sensation can engineer the odd chance for his teammates in the final third. Bouaddi is primarily a central midfielder but can also fill in as a defensive midfielder or as a right-back if needed. However, there are some concerns over whether he can adapt to the physical style and high intensity of the Premier League if the Mancunian giants manage to sign him later this year.

We can expect Bouaddi to bring more bite and steel to Man City boss Enzo Maresca’s midfield department in the long run. He has what it takes to fight for a regular starting spot at the Etihad Stadium next season.

At 18, Bouaddi has got the potential to be a future star in English football as long as he continues to improve with each year. He is undoubtedly a star in the making, so Man City would be wise to step up their efforts to land him before the end of this transfer window.