Manchester City intensifies pursuit of Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi

Manchester City have emerged as the frontrunner in the summer chase for Lille’s 18‑year‑old Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. Lille have set a price tag between €80 million and €100 million, with reports indicating the club would accept roughly €100 million for the player. City intend to integrate Bouaddi directly into Enzo Maresca’s first‑team squad rather than loan him back, contrasting with other interested clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Liverpool, some of which have floated a season‑long loan option.

The high‑profile pursuit has drawn attention from the crypto‑powered sports market: fan‑token trading volumes for clubs like Manchester City have spiked, and decentralized prediction markets are offering contracts on the outcome of the transfer. City’s recent spending power, demonstrated by a £116 million midfield signing earlier this window, suggests they have the financial headroom to meet Lille’s demand, though the deal would be subject to European financial‑fair‑play scrutiny.