Manchester City agree Ayyoub Bouaddi deal but talks continue over possible discount clause

Manchester City have agreed terms with Ayyoub Bouaddi, talkSPORT understands.

The Premier League giants are in advanced talks with Lille to sign the breakout World Cup star.

Getty

It remains to be seen whether he immediately goes into City’s squad for the 2026/27 season or gets loaned back to Lille for one year.

As talkSPORT reported at the beginning of July, Lille are seeking a fee of €100million (£86m) for the Morocco international.

They are willing to discount the price if a loan or pre-agreement can be reached with City, although the English club’s preference is to sign and keep him.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Bayern Munich are also understood to have shown interest in Bouaddi.

Midfield overhaul

A deal for Bouaddi could lead to Rodri leaving City for Real Madrid.

Madrid have opened initial talks to sign the Spanish midfielder, who has made it clear that he wants to move.

City are keen to keep Rodri beyond the summer even if he doesn’t sign a new contract, with his current deal expiring in June 2027.

However, the Premier League giants would be more inclined to let him leave if they sign Bouaddi.

Ahead of their first campaign under Enzo Maresca, City have already spent big in the market.

They completed a £116m move for Elliot Anderson, who joined from Nottingham Forest at the start of the month.

Getty

It was a British record fee at the time, but Chelsea surpassed it when they splashed £117m on Morgan Rogers.

City begin their season on August 16 when they face Premier League champions Arsenal in the Community Shield.

This will be their first competitive match without Pep Guardiola at the helm in a decade.

A home match against Bournemouth a week later marks the start of their league schedule.