Man City to win Ayyoub Bouaddi race after new twist – verdict
Manchester City will surely now secure the signing of Ayyoub Bouaddi after PSG pulled out of the race for the wonderkid.
Reports emerged on Tuesday that the Champions League holders would not pursue a deal for the Lille midfielder this summer transfer window.
Rather than bringing in the 18-year-old, PSG are keen to ensure there is a clear first-team pathway for the club's existing young players.
As a result, this opens up a clear pathway for Man City to complete a deal for the Morocco international.
Enzo Marseca’s side have been heavily linked to Bouaddi throughout the summer.
Now that their biggest rival is out of the way, City should win the race for the rising star.
PSG pull out of race for Ayyoub Bouaddi
Bouaddi have been linked to a host of clubs this summer after an impressive Ligue 1 and World Cup campaign.
Liverpool and Arsenal have also been linked to the youngster, in a deal that could cost up to £85million.
However, now that L’Equipe have reported that PSG are no longer pursuing the deal, this should allow City to win the race.
The Manchester club were seen as the most likely Premier League team to complete the signing, with both Liverpool and Arsenal currently distracted by other deals.
As a result, City will surely now swoop in and secure Bouaddi's signature, with the club the clear frontrunner in this ongoing transfer saga.
Can Man City afford Bouaddi?
Former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider that a deal for Bouaddi could backfire this summer.
He insists that the signing would be a risk for Man City, especially given the expectation that will be placed on the youngster.
On top of this, departures would also be expected from the Etihad Stadium to balance the books, with the club already signing Elliot Anderson this summer.
Plenty of big names have been linked away from the club in recent months, including Jack Grealish and James Trafford as City look to bring in extra cash.
However, it remains to be seen if anyone will leave over the coming months to potentially allow Bouaddi to join the club without the fear of financial implications.