The Morocco international shone for Lille last term and continued his impressive run of form at the World Cup, with the 18-year-old now a key piece in the City rebuild after losing Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Tijjani Reinders
Bookmark popover
Bouaddi impressed for Morocco at the World Cup
Bouaddi impressed for Morocco at the World Cup (Getty)
Your support helps us to tell the story
Read moreSupport Now
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
**Your support makes all the difference.**Read more
Man City have signed 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for a fee thought to be worth £85.6m with attention now turning to Enzo Fernandez before next Tuesday’s deadline.
The Morocco international joins City to bolster Enzo Maresca’s midfield, having already signed Elliot Anderson for £116m from Nottingham Forest this summer.
Bouaddi impressed at the World Cup, notably shining against Brazil with the Atlas Lions eventually knocked out by France in the quarter-finals.
“I would say I am a player who plays for the team,” Bouaddi declared. “I am a really collective player.
“I try to put my teammate in the best position and to give everything every time for the team. I think the most important aspect is to try to balance the team, [to] help your teammates.
“We know as a No.6 that you’re not going to score 20 goals in a season; well it can happen but it’s quite rare. So, you know you have to balance the team and do everything for the team and do your job.”
The Cityzens could dip back into the market to sign a third centre-midfielder, with strong ties between Maresca and Enzo Fernandez, with the Italian’s former club Chelsea previously setting a deadline and holding out for upwards of £120m.
City’s rebuild continues after losing Rodri to Barcelona for £65m, Tijjani Reinders to Saudi Arabian side Al-Qadsiah for £52m and Bernardo Silva on a free transfer to Real Madrid, while Nico Gonzalez has been linked with Newcastle.
More to follow...