Manchester City have officially completed the acquisition of 18‑year‑old Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille in a deal that shatters previous Premier League records. According to sources at Sky Sports News, the English club will pay a guaranteed sum of £81.3 million, with an additional £4.3 million in performance‑related add‑ons, bringing the total potential outlay to £86 million. The youngster has signed a five‑year contract that ties him to the Etihad until the summer of 2031, cementing his long‑term future at one of the world’s most successful football institutions. Bouaddi’s transfer fee makes him the most expensive teenager ever to join a Premier League side, eclipsing the £58.9 million Manchester United paid Lille for Leny Yoro earlier in 2024.
Lille, having held out for a figure that reflected the prodigy’s rising stock, finally secured the amount they deemed appropriate after intense negotiations. The Moroccan international had already announced himself on the global stage during the recent World Cup, where his performances for Morocco earned widespread acclaim and positioned him as one of the tournament’s breakout stars.
City’s midfield has been in a state of transition following the departures of key figures such as Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Tijjani Reijnders. The club’s hierarchy sees Bouaddi as a cornerstone of the rebuild, a player capable of adding both creativity and defensive solidity to a side that aspires to dominate domestically and in Europe. In his first press conference, the teenager expressed his enthusiasm: “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 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 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 also praised the managerial staff, noting, “The squad is world‑class and Pep [Mourinho] 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 admitted there is still much room for improvement: “I have plenty of improving to do. I am only 18.
I’m 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 concluded with a clear statement of intent: “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 the sentiment, describing Bouaddi as a player with “extremely high potential – a midfielder equipped with everything a top player needs.” Viana added, “At just 18, he already has outstanding football intelligence and that will only improve under the guidance of Pep. 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.” When asked about his prospective role, Bouaddi hinted that he will operate primarily as a defensive midfielder, or a classic number‑6.
“I would say I am a player who plays for the team,” he said. “I am a really 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 try to balance the team, help your teammates.” He acknowledged the statistical realities of the position: “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 balance the team, do everything for the team and do your job.” Fans who followed Morocco’s impressive World Cup run will instantly recognise Bouaddi’s name, while casual observers may recall his distinctive curly hair and the composure he displayed against elite opposition.
His standout performance in the group‑stage clash with Brazil, where he dictated tempo and won duels with apparent ease, left a lasting impression on pundits and scouts alike. Even seasoned managers such as Carlo Ancelotti, who was overseeing Brazil’s midfield featuring veterans Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães, noted that Bouaddi seemed “better in the duels” than many of his more experienced counterparts. Bouaddi’s arrival signals a new chapter for both player and club.
For the teenager, it offers a platform to develop under world‑class coaching, compete for major honours and cement his place among the elite. For Manchester City, it provides a fresh, high‑potential piece to fill the void left by recent exits, ensuring the squad remains competitive on all fronts. As the season approaches, all eyes will be on the Etihad to see how quickly the young Moroccan can adapt to the rigors of Premier League football and whether he can translate his World Cup promise into sustained club success.