Ayyoub Bouaddi has moved a step closer to Manchester City this summer.
Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg confirmed on X that the Lille midfielder “has reached a full verbal agreement” with the Sky Blues. Negotiations with Lille remain ongoing, and several other clubs are still monitoring the situation, but City are currently in pole position.
The figures being quoted for the Moroccan international are eye-watering — around £85m, if not more. Liverpool had been linked with interest at one stage, but this is a deal the club has clearly chosen to step away from. At those numbers, it is simply not realistic to chase Bouaddi while also pursuing Bradley Barcola and addressing other squad needs in the same window.
There is no sense of major disappointment on Merseyside. With budgets tighter than last summer, prioritising value and internal development looks the smarter route.
Trey Nyoni’s continued progress only strengthens that view. The 19-year-old produced another impressive half against Leeds United at the weekend, playing a key role in Florian Wirtz’s goal with a superb cross-field pass to Jeremie Frimpong that led to the assist. His numbers told their own story: 40/42 passes completed, eight into the final third, four defensive contributions and two recoveries.
When Nyoni was withdrawn at half-time, Liverpool looked noticeably less assured in midfield. That growing influence in pre-season is encouraging — and potentially expensive-fee-saving — as Andoni Iraola looks to strengthen several areas of the squad before the new campaign.
At a time when every pound matters, the emergence of a homegrown option of Nyoni’s quality may prove one of the more significant developments of the summer
