Ayyoub Bouaddi transfer: Why do Man City want to spend big on another midfielder after signing Elliot Anderson?

Those who followed Morocco's recent World Cup campaign will recognise the name Ayyoub Bouaddi. Perhaps those who only took a passing glance will remember him, too. He tends to stand out.

Aside from his throwback curly mop of hair, the way he dominated the big stage with effortless grace over the summer got people talking. The Lille midfielder excelled in his fledgling role at his first major international tournament, particularly noticeable in a group-stage bout with Brazil.

But this was not the first time Carlo Ancelotti found himself ruminating over an opposition player who was "better in the duels" than his own.

Ancelotti's Brazilian midfield was comprised of the experienced Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes, and yet somehow it was Bouaddi that beamed brightest. It struck a familiar chord.

The French-born youngster made his competitive debut for Lille in 2023, just three days after his 16th birthday. On the day he turned 17, he embarked on his full Champions League debut to help his side beat then-European holders Real Madrid. Ancelotti's Real.