STATUS: REPORTED AGREEMENT — NOT AN OFFICIAL TRANSFER

Manchester City have reached a reported agreement with Lille for Ayyoub Bouaddi, according to reports published on 23 August 2026 by The Guardian, Reuters and Sky Sports. At the time of publication, neither Manchester City nor Lille had officially confirmed completion of the transfer.

WHAT IS BEING REPORTED

The Guardian reports an initial €95m fee with up to €5m in add-ons. Reuters describes the operation as a deal that could reach €100m, citing British media reports. Sky Sports says the clubs have agreed a fee.

Bouaddi was left out of Lille’s match against Angers on Sunday. The Guardian reports that the midfielder is expected to undergo a medical before the potential move is formalised.

WHAT REMAINS UNCONFIRMED

- There is no official announcement yet from Manchester City or Lille. - The €95m plus €5m add-ons package remains a media-reported figure. - The medical is not presented as completed. - The contract length and terms have not been officially confirmed by the clubs. - Bouaddi should not yet be described as a Manchester City player.

WHY THIS DEVELOPMENT MATTERS

Bouaddi, 18, operates mainly as a defensive midfielder and featured regularly for Morocco at the 2026 World Cup. If formalised at the reported figures, the operation would rank among the summer window’s biggest moves and represent a long-term investment in City’s midfield.

WHAT COMES NEXT

The transfer can be called complete only after the clubs or the player confirm it officially. Until then, the accurate status is a reported agreement, with the medical and final procedures still to be completed.

SOURCES

The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/23/manchester-city-agree-deal-lille-ayyoub-bouaddi-transfer

Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/man-city-set-sign-morocco-midfielder-bouaddi-lille-2026-08-23/

Sky Sports: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11679/13571912/ayyoub-bouaddi-transfer-why-do-man-city-want-to-spend-big-on-another-midfielder-after-signing-elliot-anderson