-
After the club’s record-setting £116 million transfer for Elliot Anderson, key players at the Etihad Stadium remain focused on bolstering City’s midfield lineup.
-
As Enzo Maresca takes the helm in the post-Pep Guardiola era, sporting director Hugo Viana is actively seeking to revamp the central midfield lineup.
Sources within Manchester City suggest that the club may still pursue additional midfield reinforcements this summer, despite the significant signing of Elliot Anderson.
The urgency to create a more dynamic midfield has intensified following the departure of the club’s long-time star and club legend Bernardo Silva, who has signed with Real Madrid after his contract with City ended.
Advertisement
Concerns about overall physical durability for another demanding season have prompted Manchester City’s recruitment team to consider multiple additions in central midfield this summer.
Elliot Anderson brings immediate Premier League experience and strong ball-carrying capabilities, but Enzo Maresca’s tactical approach is anticipated to call for players with technical skills and positional flexibility.
Manchester City Pursues Midfield Transfers
According to ESPN’s Rob Dawson, it is reported that Manchester City has not ruled out making another midfield acquisition this summer, despite the recent big-money signing of Elliot Anderson.
Advertisement
Officials at the Etihad Stadium are reportedly keeping an eye on 18-year-old Moroccan international Ayyoub Bouaddi, who currently plays for Ligue 1 club Lille.
Assessing the Likelihood of a Deal for Bouaddi
Lille management is aware of the increasing interest from English clubs and has reportedly set a starting valuation of €80 million for their rising star, who is under contract until June 2028.
Manchester City might consider negotiating a reduced fee by allowing Bouaddi to remain on loan at Lille for the upcoming 2026/27 season, though it is uncertain whether the club sees this as an urgent priority.
Advertisement
Reports indicate that there is an internal assessment within the Etihad Stadium regarding how to provide Bouaddi with adequate playing time if he were to join the club this summer, possibly including using him at right-back in certain matches.
Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi May Experience a Significant Position Shift at Manchester City