Manchester City agree personal terms with Ayyoub Bouaddi as €100m Lille talks advance

Manchester City have reached personal terms with Lille defender Ayyoub Bouaddi as negotiations between the clubs advance over a potential €100m transfer. The 22-year-old Moroccan international has emerged as a key target for Pep Guardiola's side, who finished second in the Premier League last season with 89 points. Bouaddi's defensive prowess at the heart of Lille's backline has attracted interest from several elite European clubs, though City's agreement with the player signals serious intent to finalise the move.

The deal reflects City's determination to reinforce their defensive options after a season in which they conceded 42 league goals. Bouaddi made 28 appearances for Lille during the 2023–24 campaign, establishing himself as one of Ligue 1's most commanding centre-backs despite his relative youth. The €100m valuation demonstrates Lille's reluctance to sell cheaply, though City's financial muscle and the player's desire to test himself in England appear to be accelerating progress towards an agreement between the two clubs.

Provided the clubs agree final terms, Bouaddi would join City's squad for pre-season training ahead of the new campaign. The centre-back would add depth to Guardiola's defensive line alongside established players such as Manuel Akanji and Kyle Walker, both of whom featured heavily in City's 38-match Premier League season. Should the transfer be completed at the reported price, it would represent one of the summer's most substantial defensive investments and signal City's continued commitment to competing for domestic and European honours.