Ayyoub Bouaddi has agreed personal terms with Man City, and all that remains is a transfer fee with Lille to be agreed.

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Manchester City are gearing up for a huge season in their history. It’s the first post-Pep Guardiola, and that’s going to mean a potentially rocky spell as the club learn to adapt to their new normal.

Things could be shaken up even more by changes to the squad. There’s been huge turnover in the last few years already, and that’s set to be massively enhanced by the departure of both Bernardo Silva and Rodri, the heart and the brains of the team.

Man City close in on Bouaddi as part of new generation

City have already brought in Elliot Anderson at vast expense to be the foundation stone of a new midfield. Now they are looking for a top talent to put alongside him, and it seems like they’ve identified their man in Ayyoub Bouaddi.

The Lille man was already in hot demand before the World Cup, but raised his profile even further with some strong showings for Morocco. There were a fair few links to other teams, but nobody seemed to get close compared to Enzo Maresca’s side, who locked in on the 18 year old early and are now close to getting their man.

There has been some talk of a loan back to Ligue 1, but Romano’s report says that the young midfielder would prefer to join City now rather than in a year’s time.

That may mean paying a bit more – but will allow Bouaddi to join the new era immediately.