Lille close to a historic transfer: Ayyoub Bouaddi to Manchester City for 130 million euros?

LOSC could be about to write a new chapter in its history. According to the latest reports, Ayyoub Bouaddi is very close to joining Manchester City in a deal that could reach the staggering sum of €130 million. If the amount is confirmed, the young midfielder would become by far the biggest sale in the history of the northern club.

At just 18 years old, Bouaddi has already progressed at an impressive pace. After a particularly noteworthy 2025-2026 season with Lille, the midfielder also capitalized on the 2026 World Cup with Morocco to significantly increase his value in the European transfer market. His performances with the Atlas Lions are believed to have finally convinced Manchester City's management to make a move for him.

The English club, looking to bolster its midfield, has reportedly made Bouaddi a priority. According to information attributed to the Spanish daily AS , the Sky Blues are prepared to offer nearly €130 million to convince Lille to part with their young star. Recent reports also suggest a verbal or agreement in principle regarding the transfer, although the final details of the deal are still to be finalized.

For LOSC Lille, the financial stakes are considerable. The club's current record belongs to Nicolas Pépé, who transferred to Arsenal in 2019 for around €80 million. A sale of Bouaddi for €130 million would therefore shatter this previous record by some €50 million. And Lille would find it difficult to compete with such an offer.