Man City favourites to sign Morocco World Cup breakout star

The 18-year-old is one of the most highly rated young players in Ligue 1, and his performances were impressive enough to earn him a place in Morocco's World Cup squad this summer.

Bouaddi has only enhanced that reputation with a series of commanding displays at the heart of Morocco's midfield as the 2022 semi-finalists finished second behind Brazil in Group C.

The teenager was already attracting significant interest before the tournament began, with Arsenal understood to have maintained regular contact with his camp since January last year.

Now, reports from Spain indicate that Manchester City have also entered the picture, with sources claiming the Premier League champions have held direct talks with Lille over a potential transfer.

City are already closing in on a £116 million deal for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, but appear keen to bolster their options in the centre of the park further.

However, according to Fabrizio Romano, a move this summer is unlikely. City's preference is understood to be to sign the player now and loan him back to Lille for the 2026-27 season, with Romano stating that the club views Bouaddi as a genuine target for the summer of 2027 rather than an immediate acquisition.

Bouaddi himself has remained focused on matters closer to hand. Speaking to The Athletic, he said:

"I am really happy to know that some clubs are interested in me. But for now I am only focused on the World Cup and we will try to give everything to do our best."