Big update on Ayyoub Bouaddi’s future with Man City now looking to hijack Man Utd
There has now been a major update on Ayyoub Bouaddi’s future at Lille, amid news Manchester City are now planning a swoop for Manchester United.
Bouaddi is currently in North America representing Morocco in the World Cup, where he has started three of the four games, having recently been sharpened in midfield in the round of 32 match against the Netherlands, which he won on penalties.
Scout Jacek Kulig was also surprised by the 18-year-old’s performance when the Atlas Lions drew 1-1 with Brazil in their first match.
So, perhaps it’s no surprise that Man United have already opened talks to sign the World Cup star, but they are far from alone in their pursuit.
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Football FanCast verdict |
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Honesty |
Man City are keen to strengthen their midfield this summer, with Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson having just completed his medical studies. However, Bouaddi could still be an exciting long-term addition to the squad, as he is already playing first-team football at just 18 years old. |
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Finance |
A deal for the Morocco star could be expensive, as his price could rise to more than €100m (£86m), amid widespread interest from other top European clubs. |
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Testing |
This boy not only attracted attention in the World Cup, but he has been playing regularly for Lille at the club level, he played 30 Ligue 1 games last season. The midfielder thrives defensively, averaging 2.3 tackles per 90 which ranks him second on the squad. |
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Impact |
The way this Lille star has played at the club and throughout the country indicates that he can make a spectacle in an instant at the Etihad Stadium. As such, Tijjani Reijnders, who became a bit of a part-time player as the season progressed, could struggle for game time if Bouaddi joins. Fellow junior Sverre Nypan may also find game time hard to come by. |
Man City are chasing Ayyoub Bouaddi
According to reporter Ben Jacobs, in a report from GiveMeSport, Man City are now looking for Bouaddi, whose value could rise to £86m, among rivals Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
As noted, United have already opened talks to sign the player, but their rivals are now planning a hijack, as they are keen to bring in a new midfielder and Anderson.
Jacobs also shared the big news that Lille are willing to offload his prized asset, although they hope to keep him on loan for another year.
Bouaddi could be Rodri’s long-term replacement
There have been suggestions that Man City are looking for the Lille midfielder which may depend on Rodri deciding to leave the Etihad Stadium.
The Spaniard’s contract is set to expire at the end of next season, and if he is unwilling to sign a new contract, Enzo Maresca’s side could look to cash in this summer.
Bouaddi averaged 5.8 in 90 in Ligue 1 last term, just shy of Rodri’s 6.4 in 90 in the Premier League, while the Moroccan maestro’s 2.3 in 90 was very close to the Spaniard’s 2.4.
At just 18 years old, Bouaddi still has plenty of time to develop even further, and his defensive skills suggest he could be an excellent successor to Rodri.
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