Ayyoub Bouaddi has handled everything thrown at him since joining Manchester City with remarkable composure - though his leisurely strolls may need rerouting after recent events.
The Moroccan midfielder has been able to traverse the city center's sidewalks over recent weeks, moving about unnoticed and unrecognized despite sealing an £85 million ($117 million) transfer from Lille. However, the teenager with a distinctive look can't remain incognito much longer after delivering an impressive performance in his maiden start for the Blues.
City shelled out a premium price for Bouaddi - exceeding what rival clubs were prepared to pay - because they were confident he could slot directly into a squad that lost Rodri and Bernardo Silva from their engine room during the summer window. The 18-year-old has been gradually integrated but entered the lineup for the UEFA Champions League fixture in Porto, replacing £116 million ($155.2 million) signing Elliot Anderson.
-Credit:NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images
While more experienced teammates around him struggled, Bouaddi provided a steadying influence from kickoff and moved effortlessly across the turf to give Enzo Maresca's squad command of proceedings. The manager was all smiles when questioned about the player postgame and joined a growing roster of those who've encountered Bouaddi in praising him as an exceptional prospect.

#manchester #lille

Jürgen Klopp paid a visit to Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday, with photos posted by the Bundesliga club showing the new Germany coach in conversation with several members of the squad, including shooting star Younes Ebnoutalib.
According to Sky Sport, Klopp and the 22-year-old forward had a lengthy conversation during the visit.
Klopp is reportedly impressed by Ebnoutalib's qualities and wants to convince the striker to represent Germany. Born in Frankfurt to a German mother and Moroccan father, Ebnoutalib is eligible to play for the DFB. He was previously called up to Morocco's U15 national team, but has yet to represent the country at senior level.
Ebnoutalib could now face a decision over his international future, with Klopp keen to persuade him to choose Germany.
The forward has enjoyed a remarkable rise over the past 18 months. He was still playing fourth-tier football with FC Gießen at the start of 2025 before moving to SV Elversberg, and has since earned a Bundesliga move to Frankfurt.

#klopp

Ismael Saibari recently went back to the Netherlands to officially bid his old club PSV Eindhoven goodbye after completing a move to Bayern Munich:
In this clip, a whole section of PSV fans chanted his name:
Here, you can see more pictures of Saibari inside the stadium and photos of fans holding up flags bearing the Moroccan doing his signature salute celebration:
Saibari hit the ground running for Bayern Munich, impressing the club with his performances in preseason and making an impact on his Bundesliga debut. "Isi", as he is affectionately called within the team, bagged two ****** ists in Bayern's opening match of the Bundesliga season against Stuttgart in which he ****** isted the final two goals of a 5-1 rout. In doing so, he joins a club of players who bagged a brace of ****** ists on their Bundesliga debut.
The moment he scored that equalizer on a chilly January night in Eindhoven in the Champions League, Bayern knew they had to keep tabs on him. That decision was solidified in the World Cup after the 24-year-old shone on the world stage for Morocco. Bayern worked extensively behind the scenes and got their man, and hopefully he'll give the Bavarians that edge to fulfill their quest for glory.

#club #eindhoven #World

Premier League clubs shattered their record of £3.1 billion ($4.2 billion) in transfer fees in one window on deadline day as Manchester City closed in on a £125 million deal for Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez and signed Iliman Ndiaye.
City spearheaded a frantic final day of spending as they aim to arm Enzo Maresca with a squad capable of winning the Premier League for the first time in three seasons.
Fernandez, who previously thrived under Maresca at Chelsea, has been linked with a move to the Etihad for months.
But it took until the final hours before the 2200 GMT deadline for an agreement to be reportedly struck with the fee for the Argentine set to match the British transfer record that Liverpool paid for Alexander Isak on the final day of the window last year.
Fernandez will form a completely revamped City midfield alongside England international Elliot Anderson and Moroccan Ayyoub Bouaddi, who themselves cost over a combined £200 million.

#fernandez #premier #enzo #record

Hamburger SV continue to pursue the signing of KRC Genk right-back Zakaria El Ouahdi as sporting director Claus Costa seeks to resolve one of the squad's most obvious remaining deficiencies before the transfer deadline. According to the Hamburger Abendblatt, HSV have already reached a basic agreement with the 24-year-old Moroccan international.
Belgian transfer reporter Sacha Tavolieri reports that the Bundesliga club are now preparing a third offer for Genk after their first two approaches failed to produce an agreement. El Ouahdi himself reportedly favors the move. Kicker identifies the defender as Hamburg's preferred solution and reports that a deal could cost approximately €13m plus bonuses.
The Morocco international offers substantial attacking production from the right flank. El Ouahdi registered eight goals and five **** ists in 34 league appearances last season, adding another four goals across nine Europa League outings. His potential arrival would also address a weakness that Get German Football News' 2026/27 Hamburger SV tactical preview identified as one of the club's principal unresolved personnel issues.
Following the departures of William Mikelbrencis and Giorgi Gocholeishvili, Bakery Jatta currently stands as the only established option for Merlin Polzin on the right wing-back position. HSV have consequently been seeking a player capable of moving ahead of Jatta in the hierarchy.
Bayer Leverkusen full-back Arthur remains the alternative should HSV decide that El Ouahdi's overall package is too expensive. Florian Plettenberg previously reported that Hamburg had reached a basic verbal agreement with the 23-year-old Brazilian over a season-long loan without a purchase option. GGFN covered Arthur's potential departure as part of Leverkusen's extensive late-window restructuring. Die Werkself are themselves attempting to sign Strasbourg right-back Guéla Doué and are prepared to sanction Arthur's temporary departure.

#agreement #genk #jatta #league

Aryna Sabalenka put her incredible athletic physique on full display as she swapped the tennis court for a glamorous night out in New York City.
The 28-year-old tennis champion showcased her seriously toned legs in a thigh-skimming bubblegum pink mini dress as she celebrated being named Moroccanoil's new global ambassador at Le Jardin Sur Madison on August 27.
The playful mini featured a high neckline, capped sleeves and artfully ruched detailing around the hips, finishing high above the knee to reveal the powerful legs that have helped make Aryna one of the most formidable players in women's tennis.
Aryna Sabalenka celebrates becoming a new global ambassador for Moroccanoil (@ Getty Images for Moroccanoil)
She kept her accessories understated, adding delicate jewellery and simple white thong sandals, while her long blonde hair was worn in loose, beachy waves.

#high #york

Granada have renewed the contract of Moroccan striker Rayan Zinebi until 2029, before sending him out on loan to Real Madrid Castilla for the 2026/27 season, confirms Mundo Deportivo.
The agreement between Granada and Zinebi, who is currently representing Morocco at the 2026 Mediterranean Games with the Under-20 national team, extends his contract until June 30, 2029.
The deal also includes an option to extend it by a further two seasons, depending on the achievement of various sporting objectives.
At the same time, Granada and Real Madrid reached an agreement for Zinebi to spend the season with the Madrid club, initially joining their reserve side in the RFEF Primera Federación.
"Granada Football Club and Rayan Zinebi , a player for Recreativo Granada Club , have reached a renewal agreement until June 30, 2029, with the option to extend for two more seasons depending on different sporting objectives," the official statement read.

#granada #until #real

Neil El Aynaoui's future continues to be a hot topic in the final days of the Roma transfer window.
Following Crystal Palace's interest, Bayer Leverkusen has reportedly also made an interest in the Moroccan midfielder.
According to Nicolò Schira's report, both the English and German clubs have expressed interest in the 2001-born player.
At this time, these are merely inquiries, and no official offer has been made for the Giallorossi player.
Crystal Palace had already inquired about El Aynaoui in recent days, so his name remains under review ahead of the transfer window closing.

#crystal #neil

Manchester City faces Crystal Palace on Friday in both teams' second match of the new Premier League season, with City hoping to build on its last-gasp win in the opener after finishing runner-up last year.
Defenders Marc Guéhi and Joško Gvardiol scored in the 84th and 91st minutes to earn the full three points for Manchester City against Bournemouth in Enzo Maresca's first competitive match since taking over as manager from the departed Pep Guardiola.
Maresca told reporters a day before Friday's game at Selhurst Park in London that new signing Ayyoub Bouaddi is settling in with the team but City will be careful with the 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder signed from Lille.
"In this case we need to go slowly because he is very young and came from a different country," Maresca said. "So no rush for him but for sure he is going to help us now and in the future."
Here's how Manchester City could line up on Friday:

#manchester #last #palace

Neil El Aynaoui remains on the list of players who could leave the capital in the final days of the transfer window.
The Moroccan midfielder isn't Gasperini's first choice, with Koné and Cristante starting in midfield with Pisilli as the first substitution.
Against Fiorentina, the manager changed his mind at the last minute and brought on the former Lens player alongside the Giallorossi number 61, who, however, had a different impact on the match, also scoring the 4-0 goal.
At the moment, no concrete offers have been received for El Aynaoui at Trigoria.
Crystal Palace have made an exploratory inquiry without taking any further action. Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, is not interested in the player. This situation is also linked to the Kessié affair.

#first #cristante #lens

Not to everyone's delight, Elversberg are active in the transfer market ahead of their first-ever top-flight season. The smallest town to be represented in Bundesliga is backed by investor Frank Holzer, who is the head of pharmaceutical company Ursapharm, which didn't go well with the traditional ethos of German football.
After missing out on a promotion the previous season with a narrow defeat to Heidenheim in the playoff, Elversberg faced a similar scare in the final month of the 2. Bundesliga campaign. A defeat to eventually relegated Fortuna Düsseldorf made them wait until the final matchday of the season to write history.
The club from a town of 13,000 inhabitants has only made the jump to the second division in 2023. Despite the promising 2024/25 campaign, few predicted them to be around the top once again since their long-serving coach Horst Steffen was poached by Werder Bremen, while top scorers Fisnik Asllani and Muhammed Damar returned to their parent club Hoffenheim.
And, in the middle of the season, 12-goal hero Younes Ebnoutalib joined Eintracht Frankfurt. To their credit, Vincent Wagner's side maintained their momentum after the departure of the Moroccan attacker with David Mokwa proving to be the perfect replacement.
Their form at the Ursapharm-Arena an der Kaiserlinde was a big factor as Hertha and Schalke were the only teams to return home with three points. In the end, Elversberg followed the latter to win automatic promotion to Bundesliga.

#elversberg #PROMOTION #final #campaign

Bayern Munich's latest arrival, Ismael Saibari, spoke to the press when he was officially introduced as a new signing in Munich. One of the topics that came up was his ability to speak multiple languages. Saibari said, "I speak five languages — English, French, Spanish, Arabic and Dutch — and hopefully German soon too. I like languages and different cultures." It is a good thing that he likes learning new languages, because Bayern is famously strict about their new signings learning German and require rigorous language courses.
Saibari's personal and family history explains his ability to speak multiple languages. He was born to Moroccan parents in Spain, which accounts for his knowledge of Arabic and Spanish. He moved with his family to Belgium when he was young where he learned Flemish Dutch and French. Although he never lived in an English-speaking country, he likely studied it in school and likely spoke it frequently playing with international teammates throughout his career.
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#speak #french #spanish #arabic

Juventus could return to the market for creative players during the final weeks of the transfer window, with Brahim Diaz back on their radar this summer.
The Moroccan has long been a target for the men at the Allianz Stadium, and the Real Madrid star could have the opportunity to change clubs before the window closes. Juventus consider him one of the best players they could sign and believe he could offer a solution to some of the problems within their current squad.
Real Madrid could be open to Diaz's departure because they have several players who can replace him within their squad. That could give Juventus encouragement as they look to strengthen their attacking options before the transfer window closes.
The men in black and white see Diaz as an ideal solution to some of their current issues and will do their best to add him to their squad in the coming weeks. His previous experience in Serie A also makes him an appealing option for the Bianconeri.
Calciomercato says Juventus have reignited their interest in the AFCON star, who has Serie A experience after spending part of his career playing for AC Milan.

#juventus #diaz #real #transfer

Brahim Diaz's complete absence from Real Madrid's opening-day win over Espanyol raised plenty of questions, especially after the midfielder had been among the more heavily used players during pre-season.
Jose Mourinho chose Jude Bellingham in his starting XI and kept Brahim on the bench.
Even when changes were made after the break, the Moroccan attacker did not get his chance, with Yan Diomande handed his debut instead.
For some, the decision raised doubts over Brahim's role in Mourinho's plans for the 2026/27 season, but the player has taken a very different view of the situation.
According to Defensa Central, Brahim is not angry with Mourinho and has accepted the coach's decision.

#raised #season #jude #bellingham

Manuel Neuer has already been impressed by Bayern Munich's latest addition, Ismael Saibari.
The Bayern Munich captain admitted that Saibari's injury limited his initial involvement, but the squad has now had the opportunity to work with him in training. Neuer also pointed out that Bayern Munich already had a close look at the midfielder when the clubs faced each other during Saibari's time at PSV.
"He was a bit injured and now we've had our first training sessions together. Of course, we'd already seen him at PSV when we played against them. He also played for the Moroccan national team at the World Cup. He's already shown some really good performances there. We're looking forward to the future with him and we know he's a great addition to the team," Neuer told Sky Germany journalist Kerry Hau (as captured by iMiaSanMia).
Saibari brings versatility, athleticism and an ability to contribute in the attacking third, giving Vincent Kompany another intriguing option as Bayern Munich looks to build on last season.
The Bayern Munich squad has now had its first opportunity to see Saibari up close.

#bayern #already

VfB Stuttgart's Ermedin Demirović is a wanted man. Eintracht Frankfurt entered the race to sign the Bosnian forward, but Galatasaray went as far as submitting an opening offer. According to a report by Sky Germany, however, their €15m bid was swiftly rejected by the Swabian club, who are demanding a higher fee.
Additionally, Demirović reaffirmed his commitment to VfB amid persistent speculation linking him with a move away from the Bundesliga club, but with the arrival of Dženan Pejčinović, it's unclear as to how much football the 28-year-old will get.
While it's unreported as to whether Galatasaray have returned with a second offer for Demirović, they have their sights on Bilal El Khannouss. Fussball Transfers report that the Turkish champions have made an offer for the Moroccan, who starred with nine goals and seven ***** ists in 41 games across all competitions last season, but VfB won't entertain offers less than €65m.
Additionally, El Khannouss is being monitored by Premier League clubs, but the 22-year-old appears settled in Stuttgart after joining the club on a permanent basis from Leicester City for €18m.
GGFN | Daniel Pinder

#offer #club

CASABLANCA, Morocco (AP) — Ayoub Akbili needed money for his mother's surgery. Hamza Haibouri wanted a shot at a professional soccer career. Abdelouahed Iken was chasing the glossy life a friend posted about on Facebook from Italy.
So when they heard rumors that Morocco's border with Spain was open, they decided to join the rush to try to reach Europe.
All three died attempting to cross, becoming victims of the deadliest migration crisis between Morocco and Spain.
Fueled by misinformation, poverty and lack of opportunities, more than 70,000 would-be migrants from Morocco and beyond swam or climbed over a breakwater last month to try to reach Ceuta, a Spanish territory on the North African coast. At least 90 people died attempting to cross the border, according to official figures; rights groups reported a much higher toll. Many families still haven't been able to retrieve the bodies.
Nearly all the survivors have returned to Morocco, and both countries have intensified security measures. Moroccan and Spanish authorities blamed social media rumors and human smuggling networks for the surge, while migrants cited unemployment and low wages as major factors.

#migrants

Manchester City have accepted a bid of £65.4m from Barcelona for Rodri.
Spain's World Cup-winning captain is set to leave the Etihad Stadium to join the LaLiga champions and leave City with the question of how to replace him.
Barcelona had two previous offers for Rodri refused with City deeming the first, of just £38.4m, not serious but their third bid matched City's valuation.
Rodri, who had been reluctant to sign a new deal, has entered the last year of his contract and City risked losing him on a free transfer if he was not sold this summer.
Now they will have two weeks to find a replacement. They are interested in Ayyoub Bouaddi, with Lille manager Davide Ancelotti saying there have been talks about the Moroccan midfielder, and Enzo Fernandez.

#rodri #laliga

Manchester City have accepted a bid of £65.4m from Barcelona for Rodri.
Spain's World Cup-winning captain is set to leave the Etihad Stadium to join the LaLiga champions and leave City with the question of how to replace him.
Barcelona had two previous offers for Rodri refused with City deeming the first, of just £38.4m, not serious but their third bid matched City's valuation.
Rodri, who had been reluctant to sign a new deal, has entered the last year of his contract and City risked losing him on a free transfer if he was not sold this summer. Now they will have two weeks to find a replacement.
They are interested in Ayyoub Bouaddi, with Lille manager Davide Ancelotti saying there have been talks about the Moroccan midfielder, and Enzo Fernandez.

#World

Cameroon cruised to a 3-0 victory over tournament debutants Malawi to claim their first ever Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) **** le.
Marie Ngah Manga's close-range header put the Indomitable Lionesses ahead in the 20th minute and Naomi Eto doubled the lead with a stunning volley on the half hour mark in the Moroccan capital Rabat.
The Central Africans made it 3-0 in the third minute of first-half added time as Eto rounded Malawi goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo and put the ball on a plate for striker Ngah Manga.
Malawi, the lowest-ranked side at Wafcon 2026 at 153rd in the world, reached the final on the back of the attacking prowess of the Chawinga sisters Tabitha and Temwa.
However, the two Scorchers stars were well marshalled by the Cameroon defence, who ensured that the Southern Africans were unable to secure a fairy tale ending to their unexpected run at the tournament.

#wafcon #first #minute

Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl is close to extending his contract at the club, according to Sport Bild. The 52-year-old was informed of the news during the club's Asia tour. However, the supervisory board is yet to reach a final decision on the matter. The next meeting of the board is scheduled for 25 August. Honorary president and supervisory board member Uli Hoeneß recently put the likelihood of Eberl's contract extension at "100 percent."Hoeneß also praised Eberl for "a perfect transfer period." This summer, Bayern have signed German full-back Nathaniel Brown from Eintracht Frankfurt and Moroccan attacker Ismael Saibari from PSV Eindhoven. Eberl's contract expires in the summer of 2027, the same as that of CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen, who is also expected to stay with the record German Champions. GGFN | Brook Genene

#contract #hoene #german

Everton appear increasingly minded to keep Adam Aznou in David Moyes' plans for the 2026/27 season, after an encouraging summer from the young left-back. According to TeamTalk, the current picture points towards the Morocco international remaining on Merseyside rather than heading out on loan.
There is a growing sense that Aznou has used pre-season exactly as he needed to. After a difficult first year following his move from Bayern Munich for around £8million, the 20-year-old has responded with the kind of performances that force internal discussion. The key detail is clear, Everton "have not informed the Moroccan international of any plans to send him out on loan as of yet", and "as things stand, the Toffees intend to retain him as part of David Moyes' squad for 2026/27."
Photo: IMAGO
Aznou's debut campaign brought only one senior appearance, so this summer has carried added significance. By all accounts, he has impressed with "attacking intent and defensive solidity in pre-season", showing the balance required from a modern full-back. Those close to the situation believe Moyes sees him as "a useful option within the current group", which matters at a club trying to build depth and reliability across the back line.
There is also encouragement in the longer-term view. Everton hold "huge belief in his potential", and that belief seems to be shaping the current decision. Rather than rushing him into a temporary move elsewhere, the club look prepared to ******* s whether regular involvement can now come under Moyes directly.

#moyes #current #aznou

Dutch reports suggest Rangers have had a bid turned down for PSV Eindhoven's Moroccan winger Couhaib Driouech, 24. (Sun)
Rangers and Red Bull Salzburg, who recently appointed former Ibrox head coach Danny Rohl, are both interested in Driouech. (Soccer News - in Dutch)
Burnley are also reportedly keen on Driouech. (Glasgow Times)
Hull City have agreed to pay a record fee for Tromso midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl, who had been a Rangers target. (Scotsman - subscription required)
Thursday's Scottish gossip

#moroccan #bull

Dutch reports suggest Rangers have had a bid turned down for PSV Eindhoven's Moroccan winger Couhaib Driouech, 24. (Sun)
Rangers and Red Bull Salzburg, who recently appointed former Ibrox head coach Danny Rohl, are both interested on Driouech. (Soccer News - in Dutch)
Canada right-back Alistair Johnston, 27, has reportedly told Celtic he wants to join Everton. (Record - subscription required)
Real Madrid agree £120m Diomande deal - Thursday's gossip
Celtic push for Ghedjemis deal - gossip

#rangers #deal #moroccan #bull

Real Madrid have a very talented squad at Jose Mourinho's disposal, with many players competing for each position.
For a player like Brahim Diaz, the Moroccan attacking midfielder could have an important squad role to play even if he does not always feature as a starter.
The 27-year-old versatile star has been at the Spanish club for a few seasons now, playing important role off the bench.
Earlier this summer, it emerged that even if he cannot have a starring role, Brahim was still keen on staying at Real Madrid.
However, in recent days, talk of a potential move to Besiktas has emerged for the talented Real Madrid ace.

#brahim #important

Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz reiterated the team's desire to compete for trophies this season with new manager Jose Mourinho.
The Moroccan international, who had an extended break due to his country's quarter-final finish at the World Cup, was back at Valdebebas as he joined training with the rest of the squad on Monday.
Brahim was asked about how he is feeling on an individual level, and what the collective goal of the club comes down to, among other things.
He said: "It's clear I'll give my absolute best. I see that all the Madrid fans are happy with my football. On an individual level, I'm going to give my best in every match.
"The best thing at a team level is winning ***** les. This is Real Madrid, and we have to win ***** les."

#level #brahim #individual #give

Lille are already planning for the possible departure of Ayyoub Bouaddi, with Matteo Moretto reporting the Ligue 1 side have identified Real Madrid midfielder Jorge Cestero as a potential replacement.
The French club are entering a new era under former Real Madrid ****** istant Davide Ancelotti, with a summer of significant squad changes.
One of the club's biggest priorities is preparing for the imminent exit of Bouaddi.
The 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder has become one of Europe's most sought-after young talents following his impressive performances at the 2026 World Cup.
And, Manchester City are now close to reaching an agreement with Lille, having already verbally agreed personal terms with the player.

#bouaddi #ligue

President Gianni Infantino held emergency talks with other FIFA directors in Morocco on Wednesday, a source told AFP, amid a wave of criticism over his now shelved plan to open the World Cup to private investment.
Infantino has come under increasing pressure, even from within FIFA, over his handling of the proposal, and calls for him to step down have grown since he abandoned it last Saturday.
One of those believed to be at the meeting is FIFA's secretary-general Mattias Grafstrom, whose internal email to staff criticising the plan was leaked on Tuesday.
Infantino, a 56-year-old Swiss lawyer -- who is holding the meeting in FIFA's Africa regional office in Sale close to Rabat -- was in Morocco to celebrate last week's Feast of the Enthronement.
Morocco is to co-host the 2030 World Cup and Moroccan Football chief Fouzi Lekjaa is one of the few to have publicly supported Infantino since the humiliating climbdown.

#morocco #since #last

Crystal Palace are one of the several clubs interested in signing Imrân Louza (27) from Watford during the summer transfer window, according to a report from Foot Mercato. The Premier League have enquired about the Moroccan international midfielder's availability ahead of a potential move.
French clubs have also shown an interest in bringing the former Nantes midfielder back to Ligue 1. Paris FC have already contacted the EFL Championship club regarding a potential move for the 27-year-old. However, they must sell players first before acting upon their interest. Nice and Ajax are also interested in signing the midfielder.
With several clubs interested in his services, the Hornets have indicated Louza's price tag to interested clubs. It will take an offer in the region of €10m for the Nantes-born player to leave Vicarage Road during the summer transfer window.
GFFN | Liam Wraith

#clubs #window

Bubista has resigned from his post as Cape Verde head coach to join Moroccan club RS Berkane.
The 56-year-old guided the island nation to the last 32 of the World Cup last month, where the Blue Sharks were beaten 3-2 by eventual runners-up Argentina after extra time.
Bubista also reached the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with Cape Verde, having taken charge of the side in January 2020.
The Cape Verdian has signed a two-year deal with RS Berkane, who finished second in the Moroccan top flight last season, and replaces Moin Chaabani, who has been appointed as Tunisia's new head coach.
The team from the north-east of the kingdom are not traditionally seen as one of Morocco's big clubs but have enjoyed success in recent years.

#cape #verde #World