Manchester City have officially completed the signing of Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, securing one of world football’s most coveted young talents in an initial €95 million deal. The midfielder has agreed to terms on a long-term contract running through to 2031, with the club holding an option to extend his stay at the Etihad Stadium for a further 12 months. Having eclipsed the previous record set by Leny Yoro’s €70 million transfer from Lille to Manchester United in 2024, the highly rated star becomes the most expensive teenager in Premier League history. Final negotiations between the two clubs concluded after agreeing on structural bonuses and total valuations following weeks of intense discussion.
The high-profile arrival comes on the heels of a magnificent 2026 World Cup campaign, where Bouaddi emerged as a breakout star during Morocco’s run to the quarter-finals. The defensive midfielder started five of his country’s six matches during the tournament, delivering an array of mature tactical displays—most notably during Morocco’s 1-1 draw against Brazil in their group opener. Reflecting on his transition to England, Bouaddi emphasized that joining Manchester City represents the pinnacle of his professional ambitions, calling it a special day for both himself and his family after spending most of his life working hard to reach the top of the game.
Bouaddi’s signing forms a critical piece of Manchester City’s broader midfield overhaul ahead of the 2026-27 season. The departure of the team’s Spanish midfielder to Barcelona in a deal worth €76.5 million (£65 million) cleared direct space in the squad for the Moroccan international’s inclusion. Bouaddi represents City’s second major central midfield reinforcement of the current transfer window, following the acquisition of 23-year-old Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest in a £116 million ($158 million) deal. Together, Anderson and Bouaddi are slated to anchor the engine room for both immediate challenges and the long-term future.
This marquee deal comes during a period of significant activity across Manchester City’s squad. Bouaddi was withheld from Lille’s opening league match against Angers while the finishing touches were put on his transfer to England. Meanwhile, outgoings continue to take shape at the Etihad Stadium; Brazilian winger Savinho was omitted from City’s matchday squad against Bournemouth as Tottenham Hotspur agreed terms for his transfer, and midfielder González is set for a £52 million move to Newcastle United. With these strategic squad rotations, Manchester City have reaffirmed their intent to maintain their standard at the absolute summit of domestic and European competition.
