Ayyoub Bouaddi: Manchester City interested in Morocco and Lille wonderkid after impressive World Cup
Ayyoub Bouaddi was one of the stars of the World Cup; the 18-year-old was an ever-present in midfield for Morocco and has been linked with a move to Manchester United; City have signed Elliot Anderson but could lose midfielders such as Tijjani Reijnders, Mateo Kovacic and Nico Gonzalez
Tuesday 14 July 2026 12:07, UK
Manchester City are showing interest in Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.
The 18-year-old has just finished impressing at the World Cup with Morocco.
Sky Sports News has been reporting since early this year that Bouaddi is on the list of targets at Manchester United.
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Arsenal are also among the top clubs in England that have followed the 18-year-old Lille midfielder closely.
But City also want to add another midfielder to their ranks after signing Elliot Anderson for £116m.
There could be several players coming in and moving out at the Etihad this summer under new manager Enzo Maresca.
In midfield, there is interest from other clubs in Tijjani Reijnders, Mateo Kovacic and Nico Gonzalez.
Real Madrid also have Rodri on their list for a new midfielder but City do not want to sell him and, instead, give him a new contract.
Analysis: Will Bouaddi be the breakout start of the World Cup?
Sky Sports' Sam Blitz:
Bouaddi was ear-marked as a potential breakout star of this World Cup before the tournament had even begun. And after his display against Brazil in Morocco's World Cup opener, the excitement only grew.
Against an experienced midfield of Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes and Lucas Paqueta, Bouaddi put in an assured performance despite being just 18-years-old and making his World Cup debut.
The teenager showed the perfect mix of technical, ball-carrying qualities with an off-the-ball strength that looked way beyond his years. He put in a 91 per cent passing accuracy, and completed every final third pass he attempted.
He started all but one of Morocco's route to the World Cup quarter-finals, gaining more experience at the highest level.
And that's quite a lot of experience to his name. By the time he turns 19 in October, he will surely have passed the 100-appearance mark for Lille.
So if a move to City materialises, it will not be too much on the young kid's shoulders.
Man City's first five Premier League games - 2026/27 season
August 23: Bournemouth (H), live on Sky Sports, kick-off 2pm
August 28: Crystal Palace (A), live on Sky Sports, kick-off 8pm
September 5: Coventry (H), kick-off 3pm
September 13: Man Utd (A), live on Sky Sports, kick-off 4.30pm
September 19: Sunderland (H), kick-off 3pm
