Manchester City have officially completed the acquisition of 18‑year‑old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille in a landmark £86 million deal, setting a new benchmark for teenage signings in the Premier League. According to sources at Sky Sports News, the club will pay a guaranteed fee of £81.3 million, with an additional £4.3 million in performance‑related add‑ons. Bouaddi has agreed to a five‑year contract that ties him to the Etihad until the summer of 2031.
This transfer eclipses the previous record for a teenage player in England, which was held by Manchester United’s £58.9 million purchase of Lille’s Leny Yoro earlier in 2024. Lille, having held firm in negotiations, finally received the amount they deemed appropriate for their prodigious talent, who had attracted considerable attention after his standout performances for Morocco at the recent World Cup.
City are currently in the midst of a midfield overhaul following the exits of key figures such as Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Tijjani Reijnders. The club’s hierarchy see Bouaddi as a long‑term solution who can grow under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola and the newly appointed head coach Enzo Maresca. In his introductory remarks, Bouaddi expressed his excitement, saying, “Manchester City are, for me, the best club in the world.
It’s a dream to be here and to call myself a City player.” He continued, “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 love their style of play.
City always try to play quality football and they have shown they are winners – this club feels built to win.” Bouaddi praised the squad’s quality and the managerial staff, noting, “The squad is world‑class and Enzo is a top manager. I’m really looking forward to playing at the Etihad Stadium in front of the fans.” He also acknowledged his youth, stating, “I have plenty of improving to do. I am only 18.
I’m happy with the progress I’ve made so far, but I also know I can improve so much. This is undoubtedly the best place for me to do that.” The midfielder emphasized his commitment to the club’s trophy‑winning ambitions: “This club demands trophies and I will give everything to make sure we are challenging for every title.” City’s director of football Hugo Viana lauded Bouaddi’s potential, describing him as a player who possesses every attribute required of a top‑level midfielder. “At just 18, he already shows outstanding football intelligence and that will only improve under the guidance of Enzo,” Viana said. “We have watched him closely and have become increasingly convinced he is a huge talent who will thrive at City.
We are delighted he has joined us and our job now is to provide him with everything he needs to fulfil his potential.” Bouaddi hinted at the role he expects to fill at his new club, indicating a preference for a defensive midfield position. “I would say I am a player who plays for the team,” he explained.
“I am a very collective player. I try to put my teammate in the best position and give everything every time for the team.
The most important aspect is to balance the team and help your teammates.” He added, “As a No 6 you’re not expected to score 20 goals a season – that can happen but it’s rare. Your job is to balance the side, do the hard work, and fulfill your responsibilities.” Fans who followed Morocco’s impressive World Cup run will instantly recognise Bouaddi’s name.
Even casual observers will remember his distinctive curly hair and the poise he displayed on the world stage. In the group‑stage clash against Brazil, the young midfielder impressed with his composure, winning duels and dictating tempo despite his limited experience.
His performances sparked discussions among pundits, with some noting that even seasoned veterans like Brazil’s Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães were out‑shone in certain moments. Bouaddi’s arrival fits into City’s broader strategy of investing in youthful, high‑potential talent to sustain their dominance domestically and in Europe. By securing a player who has already proven himself on an international platform, the club aims to blend experience with fresh energy, ensuring a seamless transition as older midfield stalwarts depart. Beyond the pitch, Bouaddi’s transfer underscores the growing financial muscle of English clubs and the willingness to break historic price barriers for promising youngsters.
It also highlights Lille’s reputation as a breeding ground for elite talent, having previously sold players like Victor Osimhen and Renato Sanches for substantial sums. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on how quickly Bouaddi adapts to the intensity of the Premier League, the tactical demands of Guardiola’s system, and the expectations of a fanbase accustomed to silverware. If his early statements are any indication, the 18‑year‑old is ready to embrace the challenge, work tirelessly, and contribute to Manchester City’s quest for continued success.