Manchester City Signs Ayyoub Bouaddi in Record-Breaking Transfer
Manchester City has confirmed the signing of Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi from French club Lille on a five-year contract. The transfer deal is valued at up to €100 million (£86 million) plus bonuses, making Bouaddi the most expensive teenager in Premier League history.
The 18-year-old midfielder becomes Manchester City’s second major acquisition this summer, following the arrival of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. Bouaddi graduated from Lille’s academy and made his first-team debut in 2023, setting the record as the youngest player to participate in a European club competition.
Over the past two seasons, Bouaddi has established himself as a key player for Lille, being recognized as one of Europe’s top young midfield talents. Initially representing France at the youth level, he later switched allegiances and played regularly for Morocco during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Described as a technically skilled midfielder, Bouaddi is known for his calmness on the ball, ability to retain possession, intelligent movement, and solid defensive skills. He expresses his excitement about joining Manchester City, sharing his aspiration to progress under manager Enzo Maresca.
“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. I have spent most of my life working hard to become the best player I can be and reach the top of the game,” Bouaddi remarked.
He added, “I’ve watched City for many years, and I love their style of play. City always try to play quality football. And they have shown they are winners – this Club feels like it’s built to win. The squad is world-class and Enzo is a top manager. I am really looking forward to playing at the Etihad Stadium, in front of all the fans.”
Bouaddi acknowledges that he has much to learn and improve upon at just 18 years old. “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. This Club demands trophies and I will give everything to make sure we are challenging for every title.”
As Bouaddi steps into the team, he carries significant expectations as a potential long-term replacement for Rodri, who recently transferred to Barcelona after an impressive seven-year tenure with City. The club hopes Bouaddi will meet his potential and emerge as a valuable successor in the midfield.
Manchester City have announced the signing of Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi from French side Lille on a five-year deal.
Bouaddi joins City in a deal worth up to €100 million (£86m) plus bonuses, making him the most expensive teenager in Premier League history.
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The 18-year-old becomes Man City’s second major signing of the summer following the arrival of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.
The Morocco international graduated from the Lille academy. He made his first-team debut for the French side in 2023, becoming the youngest player to feature in a European club competition.
Bouaddi has been a regular for Lille over the past two seasons, establishing himself as one of the best young midfielders in Europe.
He featured for France at youth level before switching his international allegiance to Morocco. He featured regularly for the Atlas Lions at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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Bouaddi is a technically gifted midfielder who is composed on the ball, adept at carrying possession, intelligent in his movement and defensively sound.
The Lille academy product is delighted to join Man City and hopes to continue his development under manager Enzo Maresca.
“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. 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.
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“The squad is world-class and Enzo is a top manager. And I’m really looking forward to playing at the Etihad Stadium, in front of all the fans.
“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. “This Club demands trophies and I will give everything to make sure we are challenging for every title.”
Bouaddi arrives with huge expectations, as he is widely regarded as a potential long-term replacement for Rodri.
The Spain international left for Barcelona earlier this month after an impressive seven-year spell at the club.
City will be hoping that Bouaddi fulfils his potential and develops into a worthy successor for Rodri.
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