The potential transfer fits a major midfield transition at the Etihad. Pep Guardiola is expected to hand over to Enzo Maresca next season, while Bernardo Silva is reportedly close to joining Real Madrid.
That combination could create a clear opening for a younger central midfielder. Bouaddi, still only 18, would offer a long-term option as City reshape the position rather than simply replace one senior player.
His arrival would not be risk-free. A teenager demanding meaningful involvement would need a carefully defined pathway, particularly at a club where competition for midfield places is intense.
Bouaddi’s contract runs until June 2029, giving Lille a strong negotiating position. The club reportedly wants the deal to rank among the three biggest sales in its history, making £60 million a starting point rather than a guaranteed final fee.
City are also assessing other expensive options, with Elliot Anderson reportedly available for £127 million. That comparison could force the club to decide whether Bouaddi is viewed as a priority target or one of several midfield solutions.
Bouaddi’s profile rose sharply after his performances for Morocco at the 2026 World Cup. The report says Real Madrid sent observers to watch him, underlining the level of interest around the midfielder.
His insistence on an important role gives him unusual leverage. The next destination will need to offer more than a prestigious badge and a large salary; it must provide a credible route to regular involvement.
The next transfer window should reveal whether City are prepared to meet Lille’s valuation and make those assurances. For Bouaddi, the decisive question will be which contender can offer both immediate responsibility and the strongest long-term platform.