New Manchester City signing Ayyoub Bouaddi expressed his excitement over joining “the best club in the world.” The 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder has transferred from Lille for a staggering £85.6 million and has committed to a five-year contract with the Premier League champions.

City’s management moved to secure Bouaddi following the departures of key midfielders, including Rodri, who transferred to Barcelona for £65 million, and Tijjani Reinders, who joined Al-Qadsiah for £52 million. Additionally, City has agreed to release Nico Gonzalez to Newcastle in a deal potentially worth up to £52 million.

“This is a very special day for me and my family,” Bouaddi stated regarding his transfer. “Manchester City are, for me, the best club in the world. It’s a dream to be here and to call myself a City player. I’ve spent most of my life working hard to become the best player I can be and reach the top of the game.”

Bouaddi also expressed his admiration for City’s style of play. “I have 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.”

He acknowledged his potential for growth, stating, “I have plenty of improving to do. I am only 18. This is undoubtedly the best place for me to do that.” Bouaddi emphasized his commitment to the club’s ambition: “This club demands trophies, and I will give everything to make sure we are challenging for every title.”

Bouaddi showcased his talent during this summer’s World Cup, starting five out of Morocco’s six matches on their journey to the quarter-finals, following his emergence as a pivotal player for Lille in Ligue 1.

City’s Director of Football Hugo Viana commented on the signing, stating, “Ayyoub’s potential is extremely high – a player equipped with everything a top midfielder needs. At just 18, he already possesses outstanding football intelligence, which will only improve under the guidance of Enzo. We have watched him very closely, and throughout that process, we have become increasingly convinced he is a huge talent who will thrive at City.”

New Manchester City signing Ayyoub Bouaddi says it is a “dream” to join “the best club in the world”.

The 18-year-old Morocco midfielder has moved from Lille in a £85.6m deal and signed a five-year deal with City.

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Enzo Maresca’s side moved to sign Bouaddi after selling central midfielders Rodri to Barcelona in a £65m deal, Tijjani Reinders to Al-Qadsiah for £52m and agreeing to let Nico Gonzalez join Newcastle in a deal worth up to £52m.

“This is a very special day for me and my family,” Bouaddi said on the move.

“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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“I have plenty of improving to do. I am only 18. 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 impressed at this summer’s World Cup – starting five of Morocco’s six matches in their run to the quarter-finals – after becoming a key member of Lille’s side in Ligue 1.

City Director of Football Hugo Viana added: “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 Enzo.

“We have watched him very, very closely and throughout that process we have become increasingly convinced he is a huge talent who will thrive at City.”