Manchester City signs Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for £85.6 million

Manchester City has signed midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for £85.6 million, making him the most expensive teenager in Premier League history. The 18-year-old Moroccan international has joined City on a five-year contract, pending international clearance. The deal includes an upfront payment of £81.4 million, with an additional £4.2 million in potential add-ons.

This significant transfer follows City’s recent moves in the transfer market, where they sold central midfielders Rodri to Barcelona for £65 million and Tijjani Reinders to Al-Qadsiah for £52 million. Bouaddi’s impressive performance at the World Cup, where he started five of Morocco's six matches leading to a quarter-final finish, highlighted his potential and contributed to City’s decision to acquire him. Bouaddi quickly established himself as a key player for Lille, making 96 appearances since his debut in 2023 and contributing to the club's third-place finish in Ligue 1 last season.

In his first comments after the transfer, Bouaddi expressed his excitement about joining City, stating, “Manchester City are, for me, the best club in the world. It’s a dream to be here.” He praised the club’s winning mentality and style of play, emphasizing his ambition to reach the top of his game. Bouaddi will play a crucial role in City’s revamped midfield, complementing newly signed England midfielder Elliot Anderson, who cost £116 million.

As City continues to reshape its squad, they are reportedly eyeing Chelsea's Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez, valued at £120 million, although it remains uncertain if a deal can be finalized. The signing of Bouaddi, alongside other recent transfers, marks a pivotal moment for City as they look to maintain their competitive edge in both domestic and European football.