Ancelotti confirms negotiations as Manchester City close in on €100m Bouaddi

Manchester City are in active negotiations to sign Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, with the French club’s head coach Davide Ancelotti publicly confirming interest from multiple clubs and a reported €100m (£85.5m) price tag attached to the 18-year-old.

Bouaddi emerged as one of the standout players of this summer’s World Cup, starting all but one of Morocco’s matches as they reached the quarter-finals. The teenager had only made his senior international debut in the weeks before the tournament, following a breakout domestic season in which he helped Lille finish third in Ligue 1 and secure a Champions League place.

Responding directly to links with City, Ancelotti told Ouest France: “Of course, there are negotiations. Many clubs are interested in him.” He tempered expectations of an imminent departure, however, adding: “He is a very, very good player and I hope he will stay with us. The season starts next week and I consider him a player at my disposal.”

Bouaddi was limited to 45 minutes during Lille’s pre-season fixture against Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday, a cameo that prompted questions from the French press about whether his playing time was being managed ahead of a potential transfer. Ancelotti pushed back on that interpretation, saying: “He was physically ready to play and he did play 45 minutes — but that’s only because I have to manage his playing time.”

Davide Ancelotti took charge at Lille earlier this summer following Bruno Genesio’s departure to Marseille.

For City, the pursuit of Bouaddi forms part of a broader midfield rebuild under Enzo Maresca. The club have already agreed a £65m fee with Barcelona for a Rodri replacement, and Bouaddi’s dynamism and age profile would make him a significant long-term addition to that overhaul.

Lille open their Ligue 1 season with a trip to Angers, with Bouaddi’s future likely to dominate the club’s early-season narrative.