The transfer of Ayoub Bouaddi to Manchester City has just suffered a major setback. What just days ago appeared to be a virtually sealed agreement between the English club and Lille for the 19-year-old Moroccan midfielder—with figures around €100 million—has collapsed following strong words from French club president Olivier Létang.

Dismantling the City rumour

According to mundodeportivo.com, the deal had been viewed as a kind of chain transfer: Bouaddi to Manchester City if Rodri ultimately moved to Real Madrid. A footballing logic that, on paper, made sense. But Létang categorically denied it at a press conference.

"I've been saying this for weeks. There is no interested club and I'm surprised how strongly some rumours about a possible exchange have taken hold," said the French president. And he went further: "No, that is not true!" The strength of his words leaves no doubt about Lille's anger at media speculation.

The reality: offers yes, but not satisfactory

However, Létang did not completely close the door. He acknowledged that there have been concrete offers for Bouaddi, but that none has reached the figures Lille considers fair for parting with their jewel. The French club is clear that with a player of Ayyoub's importance—recall he was one of the sensations of the recent World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico with Morocco's national team—they cannot make valuation errors.

"We have to be realistic, and there are figures at which it would be an error, first, not to anticipate and, second, not to complete a transfer of this kind," explained the LOSC chief. A statement that sounds like: "The offers are ridiculous for what this kid is worth."

Interest from European giants, but total secrecy

What he has confirmed is that there is interest from very, very important clubs in Europe. Alongside Manchester City and Real Madrid, the list of suitors is long, though for now Lille is keeping all conversations under wraps.

• Bouaddi is contracted until June 2029, which gives Lille considerable negotiating strength
• The player is considered by the French club as "a very important player" for their plans
• Létang has made clear that the midfielder's own wishes will also count in future decisions

"A transfer involves three parties: the two clubs and the player. The player's wishes are also important, so these must be confidential conversations," clarified the president, hinting that Bouaddi could have the final say if an offer comes that convinces everyone.

What to expect now?

With this statement, Létang has brought order to the media chaos. Manchester City will have to rethink its strategy if it really wanted Bouaddi as a replacement for Rodri. Real Madrid, meanwhile, will continue observing from a distance. And Bouaddi, at 19 years old with all of European football watching him, will have to keep proving at Lille why so many big clubs are pursuing him.

The only certainty is that this story is far from over. What changed today is that we are no longer talking about certainties, but rather speculation subject to revision.