Man City announce signing of Ayyoub Bouaddi in £86m deal

Man City announce signing of Ayyoub Bouaddi in £86m deal 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. 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. 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. “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.