**Maresca Urges Patience with New Signing Bouaddi**
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has expressed optimism about the club's latest acquisition, 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, while emphasizing the need for a measured approach as the young player adjusts to his new environment in England. Bouaddi, who recently joined City from Lille on a five-year contract, has already garnered attention for his potential, having participated in the recent World Cup.
Speaking to reporters ahead of City's upcoming Premier League match against Crystal Palace, Maresca highlighted Bouaddi's readiness and fitness, noting that the teenager had been training with Lille prior to his transfer. "He’s ready and he was working with his former club so he is fit," Maresca stated. He further remarked on Bouaddi's composure, saying, "He’s quite calm; he does not look 18."
Despite this promising outlook, Maresca stressed the importance of patience in Bouaddi's integration into the team. "In this case, we need to go slowly because he is very young and came from a different country," he explained. "So no rush for him, but for sure he is going to help us now and in the future."
In addition to discussing Bouaddi, Maresca provided updates on the health of other players within the squad. He confirmed that midfielder Elliot Anderson, who had to leave the pitch during City's recent victory over Bournemouth due to cramp, is expected to be fine. However, he noted that Matheus Nunes is not yet at full fitness after coming off the bench in the same match, and Jeremy Doku remains sidelined due to injury.
Maresca also addressed the status of forward Omar Marmoush, who has been linked with a transfer to Tottenham Hotspur. He confirmed Marmoush's departure from the club while also indicating that discussions are ongoing regarding the future of Jack Grealish, amid speculation about a potential exit before the transfer window closes.
When questioned about the club's transfer strategies, particularly in relation to reports linking them with Chelsea's Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez, Maresca remained non-committal. "Anything can happen in the window; we will see," he said. "In this moment, it is quite complicated to think about the window because we have a game in 24 hours."
As Manchester City prepares for their match against Crystal Palace, the focus will be on how quickly Bouaddi can adapt to the rigors of the Premier League, as well as the overall health and readiness of the squad. The club's cautious approach with their new signing reflects a broader strategy of nurturing young talent while maintaining competitive performance on the pitch.