Manager Fabrizio Romano has admitted that negotiations with Manchester City are accelerating and the club are confident of signing Ayyoub Bouadi.
The Premier League champions have made significant progress in signing the highly-rated Lille midfielder as they look to sign one of the most valuable young talents in European football.
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Fabrizio Romano updates on Ayub Bouadi
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano revealed on social media that negotiations between Manchester City and Lille have intensified in recent hours.
City have already agreed personal terms and are optimistic the transfer will be completed in the coming days.
Romano posted: “Manchester City are confident of signing Ayyoub Bouadi in the next few days.”
“As reported on Monday, negotiations are accelerating and #MCFC is becoming increasingly optimistic. Whether Bouadi joins now or in 2027 may also depend on his departure, including Rodri’s situation.”
The timing of the 18-year-old’s integration into the first team remains flexible, and City are open to structuring a deal to complete a temporary stay or direct transfer depending on the midfielder’s exit situation at the Etihad Stadium.
However, the Premier League side’s main focus is on finalizing a full agreement with Lille on terms.
Ayyoub Bouadi would be a great signing for Enzo Maresca
It would be a huge statement of intent for manager Enzo Maresca if Manchester City can cross Bouadi’s goal line.
The 18-year-old midfielder has established himself as one of Europe’s calmest deep-line playmakers, earning widespread praise for his technical maturity, vision under pressure and excellent ball recovery.
Bouadi made a name for himself on the world stage after a remarkable spell with Lille and an international spell with Morocco.
His ability to dictate the tempo from deep positions fits perfectly into Maresca’s possession-oriented tactical set-up.
City are actively rebuilding their central engine room following a high-profile rotation, so signing a phenom of Bouadi’s caliber provides both immediate quality and long-term security.
He would be the ideal long-term replacement for Rodri, who is set to join Real Madrid.
For Maresca, bringing in a midfielder who can play under high pressure will ensure Manchester City dominate in all competitions for years to come.
