Man City quickly go after World Cup star right after signing Elliot Anderson
Manchester City are reportedly starting talks for another big signing after bringing in Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.
City acted quickly this summer after Pep Guardiola left at the end of the season, making Anderson a top target following his great Premier League season. Manchester United was also interested in the former Newcastle United player, but City have won the race for the midfielder, who is currently playing in the World Cup.
There are different reports about the transfer fee paid to Forest. City say it’s a fixed £116 million with no extra payments, while some sources say it could go up to around £130 million if certain conditions are met.
Anderson will join a City midfield that has already lost Bernardo Silva and might lose key player Rodri, as Real Madrid are reportedly keen to sign the Spanish international.
It’s no surprise that City want to add more midfielders and have started talks to sign one of the World Cup’s rising stars, Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi.
Bouaddi, just 18, has impressed during Morocco’s World Cup run with his calm play and great passing from a defensive midfield role.
Journalist Javier Rodriguez Pascal says City are in a strong position to sign Bouaddi even with Anderson joining soon. Marca’s Matteo Moretto confirms City have opened direct talks with Lille about the young midfielder.
City aren’t the only club interested; Arsenal and Liverpool are also linked, along with big names like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain.
Lille are said to value Bouaddi at around £50 million, and a deal likely won’t happen until Morocco finishes their World Cup run. Morocco is already through to the round of 32 and will face the Netherlands on June 30, hoping to reach the last 16.