Manchester City have officially announced the signing of Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, completing the move for the 18-year-old Morocco international.
The club confirmed the arrival on August 26, following an agreement reported to be worth €95 million initially, with a further €5m available in add-ons.
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Bouaddi has signed a five-year contract with Manchester City that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2031. His arrival adds another young midfielder to Enzo Maresca’s squad as City continue to reshape their midfield ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The teenager arrives after three seasons in Lille’s first team. He made his senior debut just days after turning 16 in 2023 and went on to become the youngest player to represent the French club at senior level.
Bouaddi also reached 50 Ligue 1 appearances at the age of 18, breaking a record previously held by Eden Hazard. He finished the 2025/26 Ligue 1 campaign with 30 appearances.
His performances for Lille earned him international recognition with Morocco, having switched his international allegiance after representing France at youth level.
Bouaddi subsequently played a prominent role for Morocco at the 2026 World Cup, where the Atlas Lions reached the quarter-finals.
Manchester City have moved quickly to secure the midfielder after his breakthrough campaign and impressive World Cup.
The reported €100m package makes Bouaddi one of the most expensive teenage players in football, while the guaranteed €95m fee also represents a major investment in a player who has only recently turned 18.
The transfer comes as City rebuild their midfield following several significant departures.
Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Tijjani Reijnders have all left the club, while City had already strengthened the position with the £116m signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.
Ayyoub Bouaddi is capable of operating as a defensive midfielder and has described himself as a player focused on balancing the team and helping his teammates.
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