Manchester City remain in direct negotiations with Lille over the signing of highly rated midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.
Talks are continuing between both clubs, while discussions are also ongoing with the player’s representatives as City maintain their position as the leading contenders for the 18-year-old’s signature.
A key decision now remains whether Bouaddi joins Manchester City immediately or stays at Lille until June 2027 before making the move to the Etihad Stadium.
Back in June 2026, Softfootball reported that Manchester City had opened initial discussions over a potential transfer for Bouaddi as part of the club’s long-term strategy to recruit Europe’s top young midfield talents.
The Lille youngster enhanced his reputation with a series of composed performances during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, impressing scouts with his technical quality, maturity and intelligence in midfield.
Manchester City continue to view Bouaddi as one of the brightest young prospects in Europe, with negotiations progressing as they work to determine the timing of his arrival.
