Manchester City open direct talks with Lille — Ayyub Boudi is a no-brainer
According to reports, direct contact from Manchester City officials to Lille is said to have started discussions over the selection of Ayyub Boudi. Despite signing Elliott Anderson, club director Hugo Viana appears to be interested in Boudi; Reports point to City as the frontrunners for the transfer.
Recent reports have emerged that Manchester City officials have made direct contact with Lille midfield talent Ayoub Boudi. Boudi, a combative 18-year-old, has emerged as one of the most underrated talents in European football over the past 12 months; They were impressed by his composure, technical skill and the philosophical substance shown in the matches.
It was previously reported that City were interested, but director of football Hugo Viana has now moved past the monitoring stage and has opened direct talks with Lille. The development comes at a time when Elliott Anderson was signed from Nottingham Forest in a club-record deal and at the same time there is uncertainty over Rodri's long-term future.
ESPN Deportes journalist Javier Rodríguez Pascual noted that following this information, Manchester City are now the frontrunners to sign Boudini. Additionally, media spokesperson Matteo Moretto has independently confirmed that City are showing a strong interest in Boudi, and that direct contact has already taken place with Lille. These two different sources of information tend to point the truth in the same direction.
Incoming manager Enzo Maresca's changing midfield appears to be the focus of a midfield overhaul in the final mix-up. By retaining Viana Boudi even after Anderson's arrival, the intervention is not the only signing, but it signals the club's intention to invest more in that midfield area.
If Rodri were to remain on a free transfer in 2027, the need to replace him would stop intensifying — then a young, technical and already proven profile in Ligue 1 like Boudi would be a long-term investment for the club. But the question remains whether Lille can structure a deal for Opel to sell one of their most worn assets.
There is currently no official confirmation of direct contact with Lille, no announcements regarding contract details or transfer fees. However, the fact that direct contact has begun suggests an interesting development in this summer's transfer market—we'll be monitoring developments as soon as more information becomes available.