Midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi left out of Lille squad amid a reported big-money move to Manchester City

Lille's talented midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi was notably absent from the team's opening match against Angers due to speculation surrounding a potential transfer to Premier League heavyweights Manchester City. The 18-year-old, who demonstrated exceptional skills in Morocco's World Cup campaign, was reportedly on the verge of joining City for a significant sum of 100 million euros ($117 million) as part of a five-year deal.

City's search for a long-term replacement for Rodri, who recently transferred to Barcelona, was believed to be the driving force behind the interest in the young French talent. Although Bouaddi had established himself as Lille's premier midfielder since Eden Hazard, who departed for Chelsea, Lille and Manchester City had not yet issued a statement regarding the transfer speculation.