Manchester City have officially completed the acquisition of 18‑year‑old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from French side Lille in a deal that sets a new benchmark for teenage transfers in the Premier League. According to sources at Sky Sports News, the English champions have agreed to pay a guaranteed fee of £81.3 million, with an additional £4.3 million in performance‑related add‑ons, bringing the total package to roughly £86 million.
Bouaddi has signed a long‑term contract that ties him to the Etihad until the summer of 2031, ensuring that the club will benefit from his services for at least eight seasons. The fee makes Bouaddi the most expensive teenager ever signed by a Premier League club, overtaking the £58.9 million Manchester United paid Lille for Leny Yoro earlier this year. Lille, which had been holding out for a figure that reflected the young Moroccan’s rising stock, finally secured the amount they deemed appropriate after a protracted negotiation process.
Bouaddi’s breakout performances for Morocco at the recent World Cup undoubtedly inflated his market value and attracted interest from several top European teams. City are currently in the midst of a midfield overhaul after the departures of key figures such as Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Tijjani Reijnders.
The club’s hierarchy sees Bouaddi as a cornerstone of the rebuilding plan, a player capable of providing both defensive solidity and creative spark. In his own words, the teenager described the move as a dream come true: "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 went on to explain 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 have watched City for many years, and I love their style of play. City always try and play quality football, and they have shown they are winners – this club feels like it’s built to win," Bouaddi said.
He praised the squad’s depth and the managerial acumen of Pep Guardiola, adding, "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." Acknowledging his youth, Bouaddi was realistic about the work still 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 affirmed.
He also emphasized the club’s hunger for trophies, promising to give everything required to keep City in contention for every piece of silverware. City’s director of football, Hugo Viana, echoed the optimism surrounding the signing.
"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 explained. He added that the club had monitored Bouaddi closely for some time and became increasingly convinced of his ability to thrive in Manchester.
"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 concluded. When asked about his prospective role at City, Bouaddi hinted that he will primarily operate as a defensive midfielder, often referred to as the 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 said.
He stressed the importance of balance, noting that a No 6 is not expected to score 20 goals a season, but rather to provide stability and support. "The most important aspect is to try to balance the team, help your teammates.
We know as a No 6 you’re not going to score 20 goals in a season – it can happen but it’s rare – so you have to do your job for the team." Fans who followed Morocco’s impressive World Cup run will instantly recognise Bouaddi’s name, while casual observers may remember his distinctive curly hair and the composure he displayed on the world stage. His performances, particularly in a high‑profile group‑stage clash against Brazil, highlighted his ability to dominate against elite opposition with apparent ease.
Those moments cemented his reputation as a player who can rise to big occasions, a trait that undoubtedly contributed to City’s decision to invest heavily. The transfer also sparked conversations about the broader trend of Premier League clubs splashing record sums on teenage talent. While some critics argue that such spending carries risk, City’s management appears confident that Bouaddi’s blend of technical skill, tactical awareness, and mental maturity justifies the price tag.
They believe his development under Pep’s tutelage will accelerate, potentially turning him into a cornerstone of the team for years to come. In summary, Ayyoub Bouaddi’s arrival at Manchester City marks a historic moment in English football transfer history, underscores the club’s commitment to rebuilding its midfield, and provides a platform for a young Moroccan prodigy to continue his ascent on the world stage.
The next few seasons will reveal whether the hefty investment translates into on‑field success, but for now, both the player and the club appear eager to embark on this new chapter together.