Liverpool misses out on $116M World Cup star as Man City secures transfer

Manchester City has agreed a deal with Lille for 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who was linked with a move to Liverpool earlier this summer after impressing at the World Cup

Manchester City has reached an agreement with Lille to secure the services of midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.

The news comes after Liverpool was linked with Bouaddi earlier this summer. A number of teams, including the Reds, were thought to be keen on the 18-year-old after his outstanding performances for Morocco at this year's World Cup.

The teenager is poised to become the club's latest acquisition following the conclusion of a €100 million ($116.9 million) deal. City will part with an initial €95 million ($111 million) for Bouaddi, with a further €5 million ($5.9 million) potentially to follow, as the Manchester club looks to fill the void left by Rodri's departure.

Lille had been keen to retain Bouaddi for at least one more season, holding firm for a substantial fee before agreeing to release him during this transfer window.

"Really impressive — he's only 18, but he plays like a 30-year-old," Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira told The Rest Is Football when asked about Bouaddi during the World Cup.

“He’s got the tactical awareness, I think he’s always well-positioned.

"He’s got the technical ability to play out from the back and a really strong personality.

"I quite like the midfield three from Morocco, but of course, he’s the talent in this team."

With Elliot Anderson already secured for a club-record £116 million ($158.2 million), Bouaddi represents the next major component of City's midfield rebuild following the exits of Rodri and Bernardo Silva.

A five-year contract, with the option of an additional year, underlines the club's ambition for the 18-year-old to play a central role in its long-term plans.

City remains intent on bringing in at least one further midfield reinforcement before the window closes.

Tijjani Reijnders departed in the past week, and the club is committed to replacing outgoing players in order to give Enzo Maresca the strongest possible backing as he takes on the formidable challenge of succeeding Pep Guardiola.

The Blues have set their sights on Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez, though the London club is unlikely to entertain offers below $130 million.

Roma's Manu Kone is also being considered, with City working tirelessly on the final day of the window to assemble the squad Maresca requires.

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