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Just six days after Elliot Anderson was announced as Manchester City's most expensive signing ever, the club is reportedly "stepping up" their pursuit of World Cup sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi.
Bouaddi is only 18 years old but impressed World Cup fans with his composure and maturity at the center of Morocco's midfield as they advanced to the quarterfinals.
The teenage talent, who featured in a Champions League victory for Lille against Real Madrid on his 17th birthday two seasons back, is valued at $113.8 million (€100 million, £85.7 million) by his current club. Combined with the $154.1 million (£116 million) City spent on Anderson, the total cost of a midfield overhaul at the Etihad Stadium this summer alone would reach nearly €270 million.
Bouaddi appears increasingly likely to end up in Manchester. French outlet RMC Sport reports that City are simultaneously negotiating with both Lille and the player's camp. Discussions with Lille over a transfer fee have grown "particularly intense," and City are said to hold a "significant advantage" over rival clubs.
Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano describes Manchester City's "confidence" and rising optimism that an agreement could be reached within the next few days. However, it has yet to be determined whether Bouaddi would join City right away or remain at Lille for the 2026–27 campaign.
Signing Bouaddi Makes it Easier to Let Go of Rodri
Bouaddi would essentially serve as the long-term replacement for Rodri, who is now believed to be the focus of club-to-club discussions between Manchester City and Real Madrid.
Los Blancos were initially hesitant to move for the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner. However, following his Golden Ball-winning World Cup performance—and despite being sidelined in the near term due to back surgery—an approach from Madrid is now underway.
Should Bouaddi arrive immediately—something that could be shaped by how negotiations over Rodri develop—it would make it considerably easier to sanction the Spanish midfielder's departure.
With both the Moroccan star and Anderson, City would possess a well-rounded combination in central midfield, with the former acting as the defensive anchor and the latter providing box-to-box energy. Together, they would lay the groundwork for the likes of Rayan Cherki, Phil Foden, and Jérémy Doku to thrive in the final third.
City also retain the services of Nico González, Mateo Kovačić, and Tijjani Reijnders in reserve. Whether all three remain with Anderson and, as now anticipated, Bouaddi in the squad—even should Rodri depart—is yet to be confirmed. Kovačić is entering the final year of his deal, while both González and Reijnders saw less playing time than either would have anticipated last season.