Manchester City have agreed a deal with Lille to sign midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, Trybal News reports.
The 18 year old will move to the Etihad Stadium for €95 million ($111m), with a further €5 million ($5.8m) available in potential bonuses. Bouaddi is also set to sign a long term contract until 2031, with an option to extend it for another year.
The move follows a standout World Cup campaign from Bouaddi, who helped Morocco reach the quarter finals. His performances have further raised his profile and attracted interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Manchester City have made midfield reinforcements a priority after Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Tijjani Reijnders left the club this summer. As a result, Pep Guardiola’s side have had to reshape their midfield options ahead of the new campaign.
Nico González could also leave before the transfer deadline, with Newcastle showing interest in the midfielder. City therefore continue to explore several options as they look to maintain depth in the middle of the pitch.
Elliot Anderson has already joined City from Nottingham Forest in a £116 million ($158m) transfer. The club have also shown interest in Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández, while Crystal Palace rejected an enquiry over the availability of Adam Wharton.
Manchester City Continue to Reshape Squad
Manchester City are also working on a possible deal for Palmeiras winger Allan. The 22 year old Brazilian remains another target as the club assess further additions before the transfer window closes.
Meanwhile, Savinho was left out of City’s squad for Sunday’s match against Bournemouth as he moves closer to a transfer to Tottenham. Omar Marmoush, who has also attracted interest from Tottenham, started the game on the bench alongside Nico González.
City turned to Nico O’Reilly in midfield against Bournemouth. The youngster usually operates at left back, but he partnered Anderson in the centre as Guardiola managed his available options.
Bouaddi’s expected arrival would give City another young and highly rated midfielder to develop within their squad. His long term contract also signals the club’s intention to build around emerging talent while continuing to compete at the highest level.
