Manchester City have finalized the record-breaking signing of Moroccan international midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille in an £86 million deal. The Premier League club agreed a fixed fee of £81.3 million (€95 million) with an additional £4.3 million (€5 million) structured in performance-related add-ons. Subject to international clearance, the 18-year-old has committed his long-term future to the Etihad Stadium by signing a five-year contract that keeps him at the club until the summer of 2031.
The transfer marks a historic milestone in English football, establishing Bouaddi as the most expensive teenage signing in Premier League history. The transaction eclipses the previous benchmark held by defender Leny Yoro, who joined Manchester United from Lille for £58.9 million (€62 million) in 2024. The move also sets a monumental sale record for Ligue 1 side Lille, who held firm on their high valuation throughout negotiations. Capable of dictating play as a defensive midfielder or advancing into attacking positions, Bouaddi earned widespread acclaim following a series of breakout performances for Morocco at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
City’s high-profile acquisition forms a crucial element of an extensive midfield overhaul under manager Enzo Maresca following Pep Guardiola’s summer departure and the high-profile exits of Rodri, Bernardo Silva, and Tijjani Reijnders. Bouaddi represents the second major central midfield reinforcement brought to the club during this window, following the arrival of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million (€135 million). Together, the pair are tasked with forming a dynamic new core in Maresca’s tactical system.
Expressing his delight upon completing the move, Bouaddi described joining the English side as the fulfillment of a lifelong ambition. “This is a very special day for me and my family,” Bouaddi 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. I’ve watched City for many years and I love their style of play. City always try to play quality football, and they’ve shown that they are winners. This club feels like it’s built to win.”
The Moroccan star praised the quality of his new teammates and expressed enthusiasm for working alongside Maresca as he prepares for his debut in Manchester. “The squad is world class, and Enzo is a top manager,” Bouaddi added. “I’m really looking forward to playing at the Etihad Stadium in front of all the fans.” Having been withdrawn from Lille’s squad prior to their match against Angers to complete the transfer, the midfielder now begins his transition to English football as City look to maintain their position at the pinnacle of the game.
