The president of French club Lille insists on keeping Bouadoui.

The website "Foot Mercato" reported that Olivier Létang, the president of the French football club Lille, denied the existence of any imminent agreement with English club Manchester City regarding the transfer of young Moroccan international Ayoub Bouaddi, confirming that the player remains part of the team, despite the interest he is receiving from several major European clubs.

The French site relied on Létang's statement on the sidelines of the presentation ceremony for new arrival Tanguy Nianzou and the announcement of the contract extension for Algerian player Nabil Bentaleb, which took place today, Friday. He confirmed that Bouaddi's situation has not changed compared to what he stated earlier, denying the accuracy of reports that mentioned the two clubs were close to reaching an agreement to complete the deal with City.

Lille's president said: "There is no agreement with any club, and it is strange that some rumors have inflated regarding negotiations with a club wearing sky blue. This is not true."

The same official added, according to "Foot Mercato," that Bouaddi is attracting interest from several major European clubs, noting that only a limited number of them can afford the transfer fee; however, he emphasized that this has not changed the club's management's position, stating: "I still believe that Ayoub will stay with us."

Létang, according to the same source, refused to confirm the possibility of the player moving to Manchester City and then being loaned back to Lille during the 2026-2027 season, asserting that "the only truth today is that Ayoub is a 100% Lille player."

On the other hand, the president of the French club acknowledged receiving official offers to sign the 18-year-old midfielder; however, he confirmed that they were not satisfactory for Lille's management, given the player's importance within the team.

Despite his insistence on keeping Bouaddi, the Lille president did not close the door on the possibility of his departure if an exceptional offer were to arrive, highlighting that any transfer deal involves three parties: the two clubs and the player, and that the latter's desire remains a key element in making the decision, refusing to disclose details of the discussions he has with the player.

This stance comes amid increasing reports linking Ayoub Bouaddi's name to a transfer to Manchester City during the current summer transfer window, after the midfielder of the "Atlas Lions" made a remarkable impression during the 2026 World Cup, making him a target for major European clubs.