Manchester City announced on its website the completion of the signing of 18-year-old Moroccan international Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille on a contract until 2031. The club said in a statement that the elegant ball-playing midfielder has already made 96 appearances for the French side after making his senior debut in a UEFA Conference League tie just days after turning 16. Bouaddi had represented France at youth level before switching allegiance to the country of his parents and winning eight caps for Morocco.
Although the Premier League club did not disclose terms BBC Sport reported that City will pay an initial 81.4 million pounds with a further 4.2 million pounds in add-ons. Reuters noted that the overall fee makes Bouaddi the most expensive player to depart Ligue 1 surpassing the 90 million euros Al Hilal paid for Neymar in 2023. The transfer also sets a new benchmark as the highest fee for a teenager in Premier League history according to Sky Sports exceeding the 58.9 million pounds Manchester United paid Lille for Leny Yoro in 2024.
Bouaddi starred for Morocco at the 2026 World Cup starting five of the team’s six matches during their run to the quarterfinals. His assured performances built upon a breakthrough club season in which he became a regular in Lille’s midfield in Ligue 1 and European competition. The move comes after City sold Rodri to Barcelona and Tijjani Reijnders to Al-Qadsiah as part of a broader midfield refresh the club has confirmed.
In the official announcement Bouaddi described the transfer as the fulfilment of a long-held ambition. “This is a very special day for me and my family,” he said. “Manchester City are for me the best club in the world. It’s a dream to be here and be able to call myself a City player. I have spent most of my life working hard to become the best player I can be and reach the top of the game.” He added that he has admired the club’s approach for years and is eager to play at the Etihad Stadium under manager Enzo Maresca.
City’s director of football Hugo Viana highlighted the teenager’s attributes in the same statement. “Ayyoub’s potential is extremely high – a player equipped with everything a top midfielder needs,” Viana stated. “At just 18 he already has outstanding football intelligence and that will only improve under the guidance of Enzo.” Viana noted that the club had monitored Bouaddi closely for some time and expressed confidence that he will thrive in the squad.
The acquisition forms the latest step in Manchester City’s squad evolution following the departure of several established midfielders. According to The Athletic the deal had been in progress for days after an agreement in principle was reached with Lille. Bouaddi is expected to bolster the central options available to Maresca as the campaign continues subject to international clearance.
