Ayyoub Bouaddi of Morocco looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Brazil and Morocco at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 13, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Manchester City have reportedly reached an agreement with French Ligue 1 club Lille to sign 18-year-old star Ayyoub Bouaddi.
According to widespread reports in the UK, Premier League giants City have agreed a deal worth $163million AUD to lure the Moroccan prodigy to the Etihad Stadium on a five-year deal, with the option of a further season.
PREMIER LEAGUE RECAP: Liverpool’s 99th-minute penalty angers Newcastle boss in Premier League opener
The highly-rated teenage midfielder was left out of Lille’s squad for their season opener against Angers on Sunday and the fee is set to become the French side’s all-time record sale.
He is set to help reshape City’s midfield under new boss Enzo Maresca following the departures of Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Tijjani Reijnders.
🚨 BREAKING: Manchester City reach agreement with Lille to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi. Deal for 18yo #LOSC midfielder worth €95m + €5m bonuses on 5+1yr contract. #MCFC land Morocco int’l; key target following Rodri departure @TheAthleticFC after @FabriceHawkins https://t.co/Q7TipkndLi
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 23, 2026
“To be honest, I didn’t see anyone from the club. So after the press conference, I will see them,” Maresca told reporters after the club’s season-opening 2-1 win over Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday.
“So please wait because I don’t know if there’s any updates at the moment.
“Probably you’re more up to date than me. I don’t know yet.”
It is a coup for City after Bouaddi had been linked with some of the world’s biggest clubs – including Manchester United, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal and Liverpool.
Bouaddi debuted for Lille as a 16-year-old in 2023 and he has not looked back.
He was also part of Morocco’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in North America, where the young gun starred en route to the quarter-finals.