Manchester City are close to reaching a deal with Lille for the transfer of 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, with the proposed move understood to be worth about €110m (£95m), plus a further €5m in potential bonuses.
Lille’s directors are expected to confirm the departure of their highly rated young player in the coming hours, with negotiations between the two clubs and the player now at an advanced stage.
Bouaddi has attracted interest from some of Europe’s leading clubs, but has made it clear that he wants to join Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City squad. The Morocco midfielder has already given his approval for the move after being convinced by the sporting project offered by the Premier League club.
The remaining discussions are focused on final contractual details before the transfer can be completed. An agreement in principle is already in place between Manchester City and Lille, leaving the deal close to its conclusion.
If confirmed, the transfer would make Bouaddi one of the most expensive players ever sold by a Ligue 1 club. It would also represent a major investment by Manchester City in a midfielder regarded as one of the outstanding young talents in European football.
Despite his age, Bouaddi is viewed by Manchester City as a player capable of making an immediate impact in midfield while continuing to develop over the years. The club therefore sees the deal as both a signing for the present and a long-term addition to Guardiola’s team.
For Lille, the agreement would bring a substantial financial return for a player who has become one of the most sought-after prospects on the continent. Bouaddi’s decision to prioritise Manchester City has helped move the negotiations forward, with his preference playing a clear part in the progress made by all parties.
The formal announcement is expected shortly, once the final terms of the contract have been settled. Manchester City would then secure the services of a player whose potential has generated significant attention across the European transfer market, while Lille would prepare to lose one of its most prized young assets.