Manchester City have finalized the acquisition of 18‑year‑old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille in a landmark deal worth a reported £86 million. According to sources at Sky Sports News, the club will pay an upfront 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 will keep him at the Etihad until the summer of 2031. The fee makes Bouaddi the most expensive teenager ever to be signed by a Premier League side, eclipsing the £58.9 million Manchester United paid Lille for Leny Yoro earlier in 2024. Lille have finally received the valuation they demanded after a protracted negotiation process, and they will benefit from the additional clauses tied to Bouaddi’s future achievements. Bouaddi arrived on the world stage as one of Morocco’s breakout stars at the 2022 World Cup, impressing with composure, tactical awareness and a natural ability to dictate tempo from deep midfield positions.
His performances against top‑class opposition, most notably a disciplined display in the group‑stage clash with Brazil, caught the eye of scouts across Europe and cemented his reputation as a future elite midfielder. City are currently reshaping their midfield roster following the exits of Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Tijjani Reijnders. The club’s hierarchy sees Bouaddi as a long‑term solution who can grow under the guidance of Pep Guardiola’s system and the mentorship of seasoned professionals already at the club.
In his own words, Bouaddi described the move as a dream: “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.” He added that he has spent most of his life working tirelessly to reach the pinnacle of the sport, and that watching City’s brand of football for years has inspired his own ambitions. “City always try and play quality football.
They have shown they are winners – this club feels like it’s built to win,” he said. The young midfielder also praised the club’s environment, noting that “the squad is world‑class and Pep is a top manager. I’m really looking forward to playing at the Etihad Stadium, in front of all the fans.” Bouaddi is realistic about his development, acknowledging that at 18 he still has considerable room for improvement.
“I have plenty of improving to do. I am only 18. I am happy with the progress I have made so far, but I also know I can improve so much. This is undoubtedly the best place for me to do that,” he explained.
He emphasized his commitment to the club’s trophy‑winning ethos, stating, “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 echoed these sentiments, highlighting Bouaddi’s high ceiling. “Ayyoub’s potential is extremely high – a player equipped with everything a top midfielder needs.
At just 18, he already has outstanding football intelligence and that will only improve under the guidance of Pep,” Viana said. He added that the club had monitored Bouaddi closely for some time and became increasingly convinced of his ability to thrive in Manchester. When asked about his prospective role at City, Bouaddi hinted that he will be deployed primarily as a defensive midfielder, or a traditional number 6. “I would say I am a player who plays for the team.
I am a really collective player. I try to put my teammate in the best position and give everything every time for the team,” he explained.
He stressed the importance of balance and team cohesion, noting that a defensive midfielder’s job is not to score many goals but to provide stability and facilitate the team’s structure. Fans familiar with Morocco’s recent World Cup run will recognise Bouaddi’s name instantly; those who only caught a glimpse of his performances will likely remember his distinctive curly hair and his effortless command of the midfield on the world stage. His ability to dominate against seasoned professionals, such as Brazil’s midfield duo of Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães, demonstrated a maturity beyond his years. The transfer also reflects a broader trend of Premier League clubs investing heavily in young, high‑potential talent from continental leagues.
By securing Bouaddi, City not only strengthen their squad depth but also signal their intent to remain at the forefront of European football for years to come. The club’s scouting network, which has previously identified players like Erling Haaland and Phil Foden, continues to deliver prospects capable of adapting to Guardiola’s demanding tactical system. Looking ahead, Bouaddi’s integration into the first‑team setup will be closely watched. He will likely begin by featuring in cup competitions and as a substitute in league matches, gradually building experience alongside veterans such as Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri’s successor.
The coaching staff will focus on refining his positional sense, defensive positioning and transitional play to ensure he can meet the high standards expected at the Etihad. In summary, Ayyoub Bouaddi’s record‑breaking move to Manchester City represents a significant investment in youth, potential and a player who has already shown he can perform on the biggest stages. With a contract running until 2031, the club has secured a talent they believe will become a cornerstone of their midfield for the foreseeable future, while the player himself embraces the opportunity to develop at what he describes as the best club in the world.