Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has urged patience with teenage recruit Ayyoub Bouaddi, despite praising the midfielder’s readiness and predicting a significant future for him at the Etihad Stadium.
Bouaddi arrival brings promise
City completed the signing of the 18-year-old Morocco international from Lille on Wednesday, securing him on a five-year contract. Bouaddi featured at this year’s World Cup, and Maresca believes he can make a lasting impact in Manchester.
Speaking ahead of Friday’s Premier League visit to Crystal Palace, Maresca said Bouaddi had maintained his fitness by training with his previous club. The manager added that the youngster appeared unusually composed for his age and did not carry himself like an 18-year-old.
However, Maresca stressed that City would avoid putting immediate pressure on their new midfielder as he adjusts to a different country and football environment.
- Bouaddi is match-fit after continuing to work with Lille.
- City intend to introduce him gradually rather than hurry his development.
- Maresca expects the teenager to contribute both in the short term and over the longer run.
Anderson available for Palace trip
Maresca also delivered encouraging news on Elliot Anderson, who left City’s home victory over Bournemouth last weekend after suffering cramp during the second half.
The manager confirmed Anderson had recovered, while offering a more cautious assessment of Matheus Nunes, who appeared as a substitute against Bournemouth. Jeremy Doku remains unavailable.
- Elliot Anderson has recovered from the cramp that forced his withdrawal.
- Matheus Nunes is not yet fully fit following his substitute appearance.
- Jeremy Doku continues to be sidelined.
City keep transfer plans under wraps
Maresca confirmed that forward Omar Marmoush has left the club. Marmoush has been strongly associated with a possible move to Tottenham Hotspur.
Talks are also continuing over Jack Grealish’s future, with reports suggesting the forward could depart before the transfer window shuts.
The City manager declined to discuss speculation linking the club with Chelsea’s Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez. He acknowledged that developments could still take place before the window closes, but said the immediate focus was Friday’s match, which was only 24 hours away.
