In a significant development in the football transfer market, it appears that Ayub Bouadi, the promising 19-year-old midfielder from Lille, is on the verge of joining Manchester City. Recent reports from the BBC indicate that an agreement has been reached between Manchester City and Lille, with the transfer fee set at an impressive 100 million euros (approximately 168.1 billion Korean won). This monumental deal comes after Lille accepted Manchester City’s proposal, which included an initial transfer payment alongside various options. The finalization of this transfer is contingent upon Bouadi successfully passing a medical examination.
Born in France, Bouadi made his debut for Lille’s first team in 2023, starting his professional journey after showcasing his talents with Lille B at just 16 years old. His breakthrough season came during 2024-2025, where his exceptional performances caught the eye of top clubs across Europe. After representing the French youth national team, he made the pivotal decision to join the Moroccan Football Association last May, further elevating his profile with strong displays during the 2026 North America World Cup finals.
Bouadi's talents have not gone unnoticed, especially by seasoned professionals in the sport. French national team legend Olivier Giroud has been particularly vocal in his praise for the young midfielder. In a June interview with the BBC, Giroud drew parallels between Bouadi and Kylian Mbappé, stating, "I once played with Kylian Mbappé when he was 18. He was a mature player for his age, and I’m getting the same feeling from Bouadi." Giroud's encouragement extended to playful banter, as he persistently urged Bouadi to consider joining the French national team.
After committing to the Moroccan national team, Bouadi shared a nostalgic moment on social media, posting a photo of himself in a Moroccan jersey during the 2018 Russia World Cup when he was just 10 years old. His post showcased not only his passion for the game but also his commitment to representing Morocco, stating, "I am well aware that it is a great privilege to play with the Moroccan flag on my uniform. I am ready to give everything." Bouadi has been recognized as a next-generation midfielder since his debut at Lille, with Giroud highlighting his strengths as a "perfect box-to-box player" who maintains composure both on and off the ball. Giroud emphasized the importance of continued improvement, noting that if Bouadi can refine aspects of his game, particularly in finishing, his potential is boundless.
Manchester City has been proactive in strengthening their midfield following the departures of key players such as Rodri, now with FC Barcelona, and Tijani Raiss M’Bouli, who has moved to Al-Khaleej. The club’s recent acquisition of Elliot Anderson for £116 million (approximately 219.5 billion Korean won) underscores their commitment to fortifying their squad, with Bouadi set to be a pivotal addition in their pursuit of continued success.
As reported by chosun.com.
