Bouaddi set to stay at Lille for another season despite Manchester City interest

Ayyoub Bouaddi should remain at LOSC for at least one more season. This is what Lille president Olivier Létang stated on Thursday at a press conference, as the 18-year-old midfielder has attracted numerous offers since his successful 2026 World Cup campaign with Morocco.

Journalist David Ornstein (The Athletic) revealed earlier in the week a strong interest from Manchester City in the player. Lille is reportedly demanding at least €100 million to let him go, with the player under contract until 2029 following a two-year extension signed last December.

Létang first sought to downplay the importance of a potential departure: “No, it’s not vital that he stays. Tomorrow, he could leave. The club will continue to move forward. There are players who have left, I would like to keep all those who are performing well, but there are times when it’s not possible.” A way of signalling that Lille will not be held hostage by the player’s suitors.

The northern club’s executive also confirmed receiving calls from interested clubs as early as the group stage of the World Cup. “Regarding Ayyoub, all the clubs that called me during this period — notably after the first match against Brazil — I told them we wouldn’t talk now,” he said.

After meeting with the player upon his return from the tournament, Létang was reassuring for Lille supporters: “We saw each other with Ayyoub after the World Cup, everything remains possible. My view is that he should stay one more season with us.” The summer transfer window closes on 1 September.