Manchester City Complete £85.6m Deal for Morocco Wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi
🚨 Manchester City have completed the signing of Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille in a huge £85.6m deal.
The 18-year-old has agreed a five-year contract with City, with the transfer still subject to international clearance. The Premier League champions will pay £81.4m upfront, with a further £4.2m available in add-ons.
Bouaddi arrives in Manchester as one of the most exciting young midfielders in European football.
City move quickly after midfield changes
The move comes after a major reshuffle in City’s midfield.
Rodri has departed for Barcelona in a £65m deal, while Tijjani Reijnders has joined Al-Qadsiah for £52m.
That left City needing to add fresh quality and energy to the position — and they have now made a huge investment in Bouaddi.
The Moroccan caught the eye during this summer’s World Cup, starting five of Morocco’s six matches as they reached the quarter-finals. His performances on the international stage only strengthened his reputation after an impressive rise with Lille.
From teenage debut to £85.6m transfer
Bouaddi’s development has been remarkable.
He made his Lille debut in 2023 and went on to make 96 appearances for the French club before making the move to England.
He was just 16 when he became the youngest player ever to represent Lille’s senior team, making his debut against KI in the Europa League.
A year later, he announced himself on an even bigger stage.
Bouaddi played a starring role as Lille produced a famous Champions League victory over Real Madrid in 2024, showing that he could handle the pressure against elite opposition despite his age.
He now joins Manchester City having already experienced European football, international football and the biggest stages in the game.
“The best club in the world”
Bouaddi made no secret of his excitement after completing the move.
🗣️ “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.”
The teenager also praised City’s style of football, explaining that he has watched the club for years and loves the way they play.
City clearly believe they are signing a player who can become a major part of their midfield for years to come.
After becoming a key player for Lille, breaking records as a teenager and starring at a World Cup, Bouaddi now faces the biggest challenge of his career — proving that an £85.6m price tag is justified.
At just 18, the next chapter of his story begins in Manchester. 🇲🇦🔵
