Manchester City have completed the signing of highly rated Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from French club Lille on a five-year contract, strengthening their midfield with one of European football’s most sought-after young players.
The Premier League club announced the deal on Wednesday, with Bouaddi’s contract keeping him at the Etihad Stadium until 2031. The transfer remains subject to international clearance. City did not disclose the financial terms, although British media reported a fee of around £86 million.
At just 18, Bouaddi arrives in England with considerable senior experience, having already made 96 appearances for Lille. He progressed rapidly through the French club’s system after making his senior debut in the UEFA Conference League just three days after his 16th birthday.
Rapid rise at Lille
Bouaddi established himself as a regular in Lille’s midfield over the following seasons, making 18 appearances in 2023-24, 36 in 2024-25 and 42 across all competitions last season.
His performances have attracted attention for his composure in possession, passing ability and capacity to dictate play from central midfield. According to reports, the deal could make Bouaddi the most expensive teenage signing in Premier League history.
Bouaddi initially represented France at youth and Under-21 level before switching his international allegiance to Morocco, his parents’ country of origin. He made his senior Morocco debut earlier this year and subsequently became an important part of the Atlas Lions’ World Cup campaign.
The teenager started five of Morocco’s six matches as the African side reached the quarter-finals, where their campaign ended against France. His performances at the tournament further enhanced his reputation as one of the leading young midfield prospects in world football.
‘A dream to be here’
Bouaddi described his move to City as a major moment for himself and his family, saying he had followed the club for several years and admired its style of football.
“It's a dream to be here and be able to call myself a City player,” Bouaddi said. He added that he believed Manchester City offered the right environment for him to continue developing while competing for major trophies.
City Director of Football Hugo Viana described the midfielder’s potential as “extremely high”, highlighting his football intelligence and qualities as a modern midfielder.
Bouaddi’s arrival forms part of a significant reshaping of City's midfield following the departures of several established players during the transfer window. The club had earlier signed England midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest as it builds a new-look midfield for the 2026-27 campaign.