Manchester City have completed the signing of midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille in a deal valued at £85.6m. The Morocco international, who is 18 years old, has signed a five-year contract with the club, making him the most expensive teenage signing in Premier League history. The transfer involves an initial payment of £81.4m, with an additional £4.2m in potential add-ons. This move is subject to international clearance.
Bouaddi’s transfer surpasses the previous record for a teenager, which was the £58.9m paid by Manchester United for Leny Yoro, also from Lille, in 2024. Bouaddi will wear the No 32 shirt for Manchester City.
Midfield Reinforcement
The acquisition of Bouaddi is part of Manchester City’s ongoing midfield restructuring. The club recently saw the departures of central midfielders Rodri, who moved to Barcelona in a £65m deal, and Tijjani Reijnders, who joined Al-Qadsiah for £52m. Additionally, Bernardo Silva has left the club’s midfield this summer, and Nico Gonzalez is reportedly set to join Newcastle in a £52m deal.
Bouaddi expressed his excitement about joining Manchester City, stating, “This is a very special day for me and my family. 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, “I have spent most of my life working hard to become the best player I can be and reach the top of the game.”
The young midfielder also highlighted his admiration for the club’s playing style, saying, “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’s impressive performances at this summer’s World Cup contributed to Morocco’s run to the quarter-finals, where he started five of their six matches. He also became a key player for Lille in Ligue 1, making 96 appearances since his debut in 2023 and helping them achieve a third-place finish last season.
At the age of 16, Bouaddi became the youngest player to feature for the French club in his senior debut against Faroese club KI in the Europa League. He also played a significant role in Lille’s Champions League victory over Real Madrid in 2024.
Role and Future at City
Bouaddi is expected to form part of a revamped midfield at Manchester City. He is described as a deep-lying conductor, a role that would complement England midfielder Elliot Anderson, who City recently signed from Nottingham Forest for £116m. Anderson is comfortable both as a box-to-box midfielder and in the number six role he plays for England.
Bouaddi indicated his intended role at City, stating, “I would say I am a player who plays for the team. I am a really collective player. I try to put my team-mate in the best position and to give everything every time for the team.” He further explained, “The most important aspect is to try to balance the team, help your team-mates.”
Manchester City’s director of football, Hugo Viana, commented on Bouaddi’s potential, saying, “Ayyoub’s potential is extremely high – a player equipped with everything a top midfielder needs.” Viana added, “At just 18, he already has outstanding football intelligence and that will only improve under the guidance of Enzo [Maresca].”
The club is also reportedly planning to make an offer for Chelsea’s Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who is valued at £120m. This indicates a continued effort to strengthen the midfield. Bouaddi’s signing follows the recent move of Brazilian winger Savinho, now known as Savio, to Tottenham in a £75m deal earlier this week. Tottenham has also agreed to a loan deal for City’s Egypt forward Omar Marmoush.
Bouaddi acknowledged the need for further development, stating, “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 concluded by saying, “This club demands trophies and I will give everything to make sure we are challenging for every title.”
Source: bbc.co.uk