Manchester City have stepped up their pursuit of Ayyoub Bouaddi in a deal that could make the Lille midfielder the most expensive Moroccan footballer of all time, as several of his international team-mates also attract intense transfer interest across Europe and Saudi Arabia.
City are reported to have reached an outline agreement with Bouaddi over a contract running until June 2031, according to Italian journalist Nicolo Schira. The Premier League champions must now find common ground with Lille, with an offer in the region of €90m understood to be on the table.
TalkSport reports that an unnamed English club – widely believed to be City – is “confident” of securing the deal and hopeful of completing the transfer before the end of the summer window.
Bouaddi, 18, came through the academy at LOSC and emerged as one of Morocco’s standout performers at the 2026 World Cup. His composure in possession and reading of the game reportedly convinced City’s recruitment department to accelerate their interest.
If the move goes through at the mooted fee, Bouaddi would overtake Achraf Hakimi as the most expensive Moroccan player in history. Hakimi joined Paris Saint-Germain from Inter Milan in 2021 for €68m.
Ounahi in demand after standout World Cup
Azzedine Ounahi’s future is also a major talking point after a World Cup in which he scored twice against Canada in the last 16 and enhanced his reputation on the global stage.
Ajax are understood to be in the strongest position so far, with advanced discussions reported between the Dutch club and the player’s camp. However, Al Ittihad are monitoring the situation closely and could table a bid that changes the dynamics of the race.
In Greece, Panathinaikos – where Ounahi impressed during a loan spell – are still hoping to keep him, while Olympiakos are tracking developments from afar.
The 26-year-old is under contract with Girona, and his situation has effectively created a four-way battle involving clubs from multiple European leagues and Saudi Arabia, just weeks before the new season is due to begin.
Milan consider Mazraoui option
Another Moroccan international attracting attention is Noussair Mazraoui. Italian media report that the Manchester United defender is among the right-sided defensive options being assessed by AC Milan this summer.
Mazraoui’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup were disrupted by fitness issues, but he ultimately featured at the tournament for Morocco. His versatility on the right flank and his experience at the highest level of European football are said to appeal to Milan’s hierarchy.
At this stage, no concrete offer from the Serie A club has been made public.
Amrabat linked with Al Ittihad move
Sofyan Amrabat has returned to Fenerbahce following his loan at Real Betis, but his stay in Istanbul may prove short-lived.
Al Ittihad are preparing an €8m offer for the 29-year-old midfielder, who remains under contract with Fenerbahce until 2028. Besiktas and Olympiakos are also reported to be interested, with Greek coach Mendilibar having made Amrabat a priority target to strengthen his midfield.
Fenerbahce signed Amrabat in 2025 for €12m and he is currently valued at €10m by Transfermarkt. A sale this summer at the figures being discussed would allow the Turkish club to limit their losses on the original investment.
Diop completes move to promoted Ipswich
One Moroccan deal has already been confirmed in England, with Issa Diop leaving Fulham to join newly promoted Ipswich Town on a contract until June 2030.
The 29-year-old defender, who represented Morocco at the 2026 World Cup, spoke to Ipswich’s official website about what he described as a hectic summer, balancing international duty with negotiations over his club future.
Diop said he is eager to meet his new team-mates and play in front of the Ipswich supporters as the club prepares for its first season back in the Premier League.
