Just in: Midfielder agrees personal terms with Man City, wants immediate move

Manchester City appear to be closing in on one of Europe’s most exciting young midfielders, with Ayyoub Bouaddi now pushing to complete a move from Lille this summer rather than waiting another year.

The 18-year-old’s reputation has risen sharply over the past two seasons, and his performances for Morocco at the 2026 World Cup only increased interest from Europe’s biggest clubs.

Arsenal have also been linked, but City have moved aggressively to put themselves in pole position.

Bouaddi would represent another major investment in City’s midfield as they plan for the future.

His composure under pressure, physical profile and ability to progress possession have made him one of the standout young midfielders in Ligue 1.

Bouaddi agrees personal terms with Man City

According to Fabrizio Romano, Bouaddi and his representatives have now reached a full agreement with Man City over personal terms.

Negotiations with Lille are also described as advanced, with City expected to work on completing the club-to-club agreement next.

Crucially, Bouaddi reportedly wants to make the move now, rather than agree a transfer that would keep him at Lille until 2027. That preference could help City accelerate negotiations during the remaining weeks of the window.

Lille have previously been reluctant to lose him. L’Équipe reported that a City transfer was expected to materialise, although Lille president Olivier Létang was determined not to let one of his most valuable players leave cheaply.

City have high hopes from the Moroccan midfielder

This would be an expensive move for such a young player, but City are clearly buying potential rather than simply looking at what Bouaddi is today.

Reported valuations around €100 million had been discussed amid interest from City and Arsenal.

There is obvious risk in spending that kind of money on an 18-year-old. But Bouaddi already plays with unusual maturity, and City clearly believe his ceiling justifies moving before another elite club does.

His preference to join immediately is significant too. Rather than remaining in France for another development season, Bouaddi seems ready to challenge himself at the highest level.

If City can now reach an acceptable agreement with Lille, this increasingly looks less like a transfer battle and more like a matter of finalising the price.