Manchester City have reached a full verbal agreement with Morocco midfielder Ayoub Bouaddi over personal terms, salary and the length of a proposed contract, according to German journalist Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sport.
The agreement represents a significant step towards a move from Lille, although negotiations between the two clubs remain unresolved. Lille are demanding a substantial fee for Bouaddi, who has emerged as one of the most valuable sporting and commercial assets at the French club.
The midfielder attracted widespread attention during the 2026 World Cup, prompting strong interest from several leading European clubs. City are currently considered the leading contenders to complete the transfer because of their progress in discussions and their financial strength.
However, no final agreement has been reached between Manchester City and Lille. The French club’s demands remain a major obstacle, with its president Olivier Letang making clear that Bouaddi’s departure will not be sanctioned unless the terms are considered acceptable.
Letang acknowledged that a number of major European clubs are monitoring the Morocco international’s situation. But he also dismissed the idea that the player’s future had already been decided, insisting that Bouaddi remains a Lille player.
“Few clubs can afford Ayoub at the moment,” Letang said.
He added that official offers had been received, but said none had satisfied Lille. The club president also confirmed that the situation had not changed with any of the interested parties and denied that Bouaddi had reached a final agreement with another club.
When asked whether Manchester City could sign the midfielder for a fee of more than 100 million euros, Letang responded firmly: “The only truth today is that Ayoub is 100 per cent a Lille player. Yes, there have already been official offers, but they were not satisfactory at all, because Ayoub is a very important and central player for us and for our sporting project.”
The comments underline the gap that still exists between City’s progress on the player’s personal terms and Lille’s position on the transfer fee. While Bouaddi has apparently agreed the conditions of a potential move, the two clubs must still find common ground before the deal can be completed.
The 2026 World Cup has increased attention on the Morocco midfielder, with major European sides continuing to follow developments closely. City’s position is strengthened by the progress already made in negotiations, but Lille’s insistence that its demands have not been met means the proposed transfer remains ongoing rather than finalised.
For now, Bouaddi remains with Lille, despite the official approaches and Manchester City’s reported agreement with the player over the main terms of a possible contract.
