Man City in 'direct talks' over next €100m signing

27 Jul 2026 11:51 BST | 4 min read

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

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Manchester City are in “direct talks” with Lille over a deal for Ayyoub Bouaddi, according to football transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano.

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The 18-year-old, who shone for Morocco at the World Cup, has emerged as a key target for Enzo Maresca’s side in recent weeks and they have overtaken Arsenal in the race to secure his signature before the end of Deadline Day on 1 September.

Current ETV

Ayyoub Bouaddi

M, DM (C)

Lille

Ayyoub Bouaddi

M, DM (C)

Lille

ETV Range

€43.5M - €53.2M

Bouaddi has already made 96 first-team appearances for Lille at just 18 years of age and Man City are now the frontrunners to sign him this summer despite their recent acquisition of fellow midfielder Elliot Anderson for €135m.

That is according to Romano, who posted on X: “Manchester City remain in direct club to club talks with Lille for Ayyoub Bouaddi deal.

“Negotiations ongoing with player and club sides as Man City remain the most interested club in Bouaddi. Decision to make: Ayyoub to join now or in June 2027.”

It has previously been reported that Man City are ready to submit a €90 million bid for the Morocco starlet, however rumours have suggested that Lille will demand at least €100m to sell the teenager this summer.

© IMAGO - Man City want to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi this summer

Official Ayyoub Bouaddi transfer message

While it has been reported that a fee of €100m will be required to tempt Lille into a sale this summer, club president Olivier Letang has revealed that an official asking price hasn’t been set.

“I never discussed figures,” he told L’Equipe in mid-July. “But very few clubs today can afford a player of Ayyoub’s quality, who is only 18.

“What environment would be best for him to continue developing? We’ve seen each other since he returned from the World Cup. I can’t say what we discussed. Anything is still possible, but in my opinion, he should stay with us for another season. I’m convinced there’s a strong chance he’ll stay with us. And he would be very happy to do so.

“Today, I haven't had any discussions because I refused any talks with clubs that are able to pay the transfer fee during the World Cup. What I'm telling everyone is that there's no rush. We're very calm, like Ayyoub.

“We'll reassess based on what happens in the coming weeks. And you're right, we have to be prepared for all eventualities. If he were to leave, we have to be ready.”