Man City hand Ayoub Bouaddi green light for Crystal Palace clash

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that new signing Ayoub Bouaddi is fit to face Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Friday. The 18-year-old midfielder joined City from Lille on Wednesday on a five-year contract and could make his debut only two days after completing the move.

Bouaddi arrived in Manchester with his fitness already at a competitive level. Maresca said the Morocco international had continued training with Lille and was therefore ready to play, although the manager stopped short of saying how many minutes he might receive. The immediate question is not his physical condition but how quickly he can adjust to a new club, a new city and the demands of English football.

“ He is ready, he was training with his previous club, so he is in good physical condition,” Maresca said at his press conference. “We will see how much time he needs to adapt to the city and the team, but the certain thing is that he is ready to participate.”

The manager also urged caution around a player whose transfer has brought considerable attention. City have not disclosed the fee, while British media estimates have placed it at about €100 million, or $116.8 million. That valuation, combined with Bouaddi’s age and international profile, has created an immediate spotlight, but Maresca said the club would not rush him or attach excessive pressure to the start of his City career.

“He is very calm,” Maresca said. “He does not look 18 years old; he looks more mature, and that is important. But we have to deal with him carefully and patiently because he is still young and comes from a different country. There is no rush with him. He will certainly help us now and in the future, but he is still only 18.”

Bouaddi’s rise has been rapid. He became Lille’s youngest player in 2023 at the age of 16 and played 30 matches in the French league last season. He made his senior Morocco debut in May before being included in the squad for the 2026 World Cup. He appeared against Brazil and started five of Morocco’s six matches during the country’s run to the quarter-finals, giving him experience on a major stage before his move to Manchester.

His arrival comes as City manage several other midfield and attacking developments. Maresca said Elliott Anderson had recovered after leaving Sunday’s home victory over Bournemouth with a muscle cramp. Matheus Nunes, however, has not yet regained full fitness after coming on as a substitute in that match. Jeremy Doku remains unavailable.

The squad has also lost Omar Marmoush. Maresca confirmed the Egyptian forward’s departure amid strong reports linking him with Tottenham Hotspur. He also said negotiations concerning Jack Grealish are continuing, with reports suggesting that the England international could leave before the transfer window closes. Maresca declined to discuss other possible moves, including speculation about Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, because City were preparing to play Crystal Palace within 24 hours.

The Palace fixture therefore carries several layers for City: it is Bouaddi’s first possible appearance, a test of the team’s midfield options and the first match after confirmation of Marmoush’s exit. Anderson is available again after his scare, while Nunes and Doku remain concerns. Bouaddi’s readiness gives Maresca another option, but the manager’s comments made clear that availability will not automatically mean an extended role. The immediate decision will come on Friday, with the wider transition continuing beyond the match.