Enzo Maresca urges patience with Man City's teenage signing Ayyoub Bouaddi

City completed the signing of the 18-year-old Morocco international from Lille on Wednesday, handing him a five-year contract.

Bouaddi featured at this year's 2026 FIFA World Cup and arrives at the Etihad with a growing reputation, but Maresca believes the midfielder should not be rushed into regular first-team action.

"He's ready and he was working with his former club so he is fit," Maresca said. "He's quite calm, he does not look 18."

However, the City boss stressed that Bouaddi will need time to adjust to a new country and a different style of football.

"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."

Maresca also provided an update on Elliot Anderson, who came off with cramp during City's win over Bournemouth last weekend.

"Elliot Anderson is fine after coming off with cramp," he said.

Matheus Nunes is not yet fully fit after appearing as a substitute against Bournemouth, while Jeremy Doku remains unavailable.

City have also been active in the transfer market, with forward Omar Marmoush departing amid reported interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

Maresca confirmed that discussions are also continuing over Jack Grealish's future, with the England international linked with a possible move before the transfer window closes.

The City manager refused to comment in detail on reports linking the club with Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

"Anything can happen in the window, we will see," Maresca said. "In this moment it is quite complicated to think about the window because we have a game in 24 hours."

City's immediate focus is therefore on Friday's Premier League trip to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, with Maresca keen to keep his players focused on the action rather than transfer speculation.