Manchester United may be set to lose yet another promising midfield target as Manchester City reportedly intensify their pursuit of LOSC Lille’s teenage sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi, according to journalist David Ornstein.

Only a month before the World Cup, Bouaddi officially declared his intention to represent Morocco, having previously captained France’s under-21 side. The 18-year-old quickly became one of the breakout stars of the tournament in North America. In Morocco’s opening fixture, where he faced a Brazilian midfield featuring Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães, Bouaddi emerged as the standout performer, delivering a calm yet commanding display.

Morocco dominated Brazil for much of the encounter in New York, taking the lead in the 21st minute before a spectacular strike from Vinícius Júnior levelled the scoreline 11 minutes later. Despite their superiority, Morocco—winners of the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations in controversial fashion—failed to convert their chances into victory.

The match highlighted Bouaddi’s readiness for the top level. Standing at 6’1″, the Lille midfielder combines physical presence with technical prowess, enabling him to excel in one of football’s most demanding positions. His intelligence on the ball and ability to drive play forward—through precise passing or agile movement—make him a rare all-round midfielder effective both defensively and offensively.

Manchester United have been keeping a close watch on the Senlis-born talent. Having already secured deals for Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, the club still seeks a natural No.6 to complete their midfield balance—precisely the role Bouaddi has thrived in for Morocco alongside young star Kobbie Mainoo.

Ornstein reports that United have “been in contact” with Bouaddi’s representatives over the past year, and this interest could intensify after the club missed out on key targets such as Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes.

INEOS had identified Anderson, aged 23, as the top candidate to replace Casemiro, whose contract extension was declined by the club. However, Manchester City’s financial muscle proved decisive, as Nottingham Forest demanded a British-record transfer fee for the midfielder from Whitley Bay.

United were priced out, allowing City to finalise a £116 million deal for the England international. Ornstein now reveals that City are “pushing hard” to secure Bouaddi as well, with Arsenal also having held preliminary discussions.

“The 18-year-old Lille midfielder was already highly regarded by scouts across Europe, with numerous elite clubs tracking his progress and eager to lure him away from Ligue 1,” reported The Athletic. “The World Cup only reinforced his current ability and immense potential, intensifying interest from top teams. Manchester City are among the most serious contenders, making a strong push before Bouaddi decides on his next move, expected soon.”

Lille have reportedly valued Bouaddi at £85 million, with club chairman Olivier Létang pointing to Anderson’s record-breaking transfer to City as justification for the price tag—or even more. One potential scenario Lille would entertain involves selling Bouaddi but loaning him back to Stade Pierre-Mauroy for another season. However, United are unlikely to agree to such terms, and Ornstein states that City also prefer to “integrate him immediately.”

With the market for top defensive midfielders tightening this summer—particularly after Aurélien Tchouaméni’s decision to remain at Real Madrid—Bouaddi offers a strategic long-term option. For City, with Rodri and Anderson already in their ranks, there is both competitive and financial flexibility to invest in another rising star while maintaining squad balance.

For Manchester United, the picture is less straightforward. After committing roughly £85 million to Santos and Tielemans—matching the amount Tottenham Hotspur spent to hijack Fernandes—the club still have funds available, though it remains uncertain whether they can meet Lille’s valuation.

If United fail to land Bouaddi after months of scouting and talks, it would represent a major setback. And if the young Moroccan ends up joining their cross-town rivals, frustration will surely echo down the corridors of Old Trafford.

Feature image: Kevin C. Cox via Getty Images