Manchester City have officially completed the acquisition of 18‑year‑old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille in a deal that shatters previous records, amounting to a total of £86 million. According to sources at Sky Sports News, the English club will pay an upfront fee of £81.3 million with an additional £4.3 million in performance‑related add‑ons. The youngster has agreed to a five‑year contract that binds him to the Etihad until the summer of 2031.
This transfer makes Bouaddi the most expensive teenage player ever to join a Premier League side, overtaking the £58.9 million Manchester United paid for Lille’s Leny Yoro earlier in 2024. Lille, having held out for a figure that reflected the Moroccan prodigy's rising stock, finally secured the amount they deemed appropriate after intense negotiations. Bouaddi’s profile rose dramatically during the 2022 World Cup, where he starred for Morocco and caught the eye of scouts across Europe.
His performances were a key factor in Morocco’s historic run, and the midfielder’s composure, tactical awareness and ability to dictate tempo in the middle of the park left many pundits convinced that he belonged at the highest level. City are currently in the midst of a midfield overhaul after the exits of several senior figures, including Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Tijjani Reijnders. The club’s hierarchy sees Bouaddi as a long‑term solution who can grow into a central role under the guidance of manager Enzo Maresca. In his own words, the teenager expressed his excitement: “Manchester City are, for me, the best club in the world.
It’s a dream to be here and to 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, admiring City’s brand of football for years. “I 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 said.
He praised the squad’s quality and Maresca’s reputation, noting his eagerness to perform in front of the Etihad faithful. Acknowledging his youth, Bouaddi was realistic about the work ahead. “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 also emphasized the club’s hunger for silverware, vowing to give his all to help City compete for every trophy on offer. City’s director of football, Hugo Viana, echoed the sentiment, describing Bouaddi as a player with “extremely high potential” and all the attributes required of a top‑level midfielder.
Viana highlighted the youngster’s football intelligence, which he believes will only deepen under Maresca’s tutelage. “We have watched him very closely and have become increasingly convinced he is a huge talent who will thrive at City. We are really happy he has joined us and our job now is to ensure we provide him with everything he needs to fulfil his potential,” Viana explained. When asked about his prospective role, Bouaddi hinted at a defensive midfield position, describing himself as a team‑first player who aims to balance the side and create opportunities for teammates.
“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 said.
“As a No 6 you’re not expected to score 20 goals a season – it’s rare – so you have to focus on balance and doing your job for the team.” Fans who followed Morocco’s World Cup journey will instantly recognise Bouaddi’s name, while casual observers may remember his distinctive curly hair and the poise with which he handled the pressure of a major tournament at such a young age. His standout performance in the group‑stage clash against Brazil, where he held his own against seasoned internationals, cemented his reputation as a rising star.
The transfer also sparked conversation among seasoned managers. Even Carlo Ancelotti, who oversaw Brazil’s midfield of Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães, admitted that Bouaddi’s display in the tournament was impressive, noting that the young Moroccan was “better in the duels” than many of his more experienced opponents.
Looking ahead, City supporters can anticipate seeing Bouaddi develop under a club that prides itself on nurturing talent and competing for titles. His arrival signals a clear intent from the owners to invest heavily in the future, blending youthful exuberance with the club’s established winning culture.
The signing is expected to have ripple effects across the transfer market, as other Premier League clubs may be forced to reassess their own strategies for acquiring emerging talent. For now, all eyes will be on the Etihad as Bouaddi begins his journey in English football, ready to make his mark on one of the world’s most demanding stages.