Manchester City Secures Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for €100 Million
Manchester City has reached an agreement with Lille to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi for a total of €95 million, with an additional €5 million in potential bonuses. The 18-year-old midfielder joins the club on a five-year contract, with an option for another year, according to reports from Fabrice Hawkins.
Bouaddi will not be in the lineup for today’s match against Angers, as he prepares for his transition to the Premier League. Lille had hoped to retain him for another season but has now consented to his departure.
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With Rodri’s exit, the Cityzens have been searching for a holding midfielder, and Bouaddi is seen as a promising option to fill that role. Though Bouaddi has primarily played as a box-to-box midfielder in Ligue 1, he gained attention during the 2026 World Cup for Morocco, showcasing his ability as a holding midfielder.
His ball control and defensive skills impressed scouts, prompting City to make the investment in his potential. He is anticipated to partner with Elliot Anderson in midfield.
Additionally, should they secure Enzo Fernandez this summer, Bouaddi could form a strong partnership in the center of the pitch.
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Fans will hope that Bouaddi’s promise translates into high-level performances in the Premier League. However, they should temper expectations as he adjusts to replacing a player of Rodri’s caliber, a current Ballon d’Or and World Cup Golden Ball winner.
As he adapts to the demands of senior football and the fiercely competitive nature of the Premier League, the challenges ahead are significant.
Man City manager Enzo Maresca faces the task of maintaining the club’s competitiveness across all fronts following Pep Guardiola’s departure, which marked the end of a successful decade.
The team’s Premier League season kicks off today against Bournemouth, following their recent loss to Arsenal in the Community Shield.
Manchester City have agreed a deal with Lille to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi for €95 million plus another €5m in bonuses. He joins on a five-year contract with the option of another year (h/t Fabrice Hawkins).
Bouaddi won’t play today against Angers as he is now set to move to the Premier League. Lille wanted to keep him for another season but have agreed to let him leave now.
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The Cityzens needed a holding midfielder to replace Rodri following his departure. They have now turned to the 18-year-old star to provide the ball-winning they will miss.
Bouaddi has played more as a box-to-box midfielder in Ligue 1 but caught the eye at the 2026 World Cup with Morocco operating as a holding midfielder.
His composure on the ball and ability to win it back stood out. City have decided to take the gamble and sign him. He can partner Elliot Anderson in the centre of the park.
He can also pair nicely with reported City target Enzo Fernandez if they manage to snap him up this summer.
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City will hope Bouaddi’s potential translates into top-class performances in the English top flight, but fans cannot expect him to deliver at Rodri’s level immediately.
The Moroccan youngster is still finding his footing in senior-level football and will be tasked with filling, or at least trying to fill, the boots of a Ballon d’Or and World Cup Golden Ball winner.
All while adapting to the demands of the position and arguably the world’s most competitive league. The task ahead is massive.
Man City boss Enzo Maresca is charged with keeping the Cityzens competitive on all fronts after Pep Guardiola left the club following a decade of remarkable success.
They begin their Premier League campaign today against Bournemouth after losing their Community Shield Clash with the reigning league champions, Arsenal.
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