Manchester City signs Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille in 100 million euro deal
The 18-year-old Morocco midfielder agreed to a five-year contract until 2031 to replace Rodri at the Etihad Stadium following a transfer agreement between the two clubs.
Transfer agreement and fee details
Manchester City finalized the signing of 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille on Wednesday. The Morocco international agreed to a five-year contract running through 2031, taking the number 32 shirt in Manchester. British and French outlets report the total transfer valuation at 100 million euros, or 85.6 million pounds, comprising an initial fee of 81.4 million pounds alongside 4.2 million pounds in potential add-ons. The transaction surpasses the 90 million euros paid by Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal for Neymar in 2023, making Bouaddi the most expensive outbound transfer in French league history. Bouaddi ranks as Manchester City's third most expensive acquisition, following Elliot Anderson and Jack Grealish.
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.
Midfield overhaul at Manchester City
The arrival follows significant changes across Manchester City's squad during the summer transfer window. Former Ballon d'Or recipient Rodri departed for Barcelona in a 65 million pound transfer after winning the World Cup with Spain. The club also sanctioned the departures of Tijjani Reijnders to Al-Qadsiah for 52 million pounds, Nico Gonzalez to Newcastle United for up to 52 million pounds, and Bernardo Silva. Manchester City balanced their books during the window, spending 280 million euros on incomings while collecting an equivalent sum from player exits. Manager Enzo Maresca, who took charge on a three-year contract in June following Pep Guardiola's departure, is also evaluating Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez for an estimated 140 million euros.
- Rodri (to Barcelona)
- 65 £M
- Tijjani Reijnders (to Al-Qadsiah)
- 52 £M
- Nico Gonzalez (to Newcastle)
- 52 £M
Development and rapid rise from Lille
Bouaddi joined Lille's youth academy in 2021 from Creil at the age of 13. He made his senior debut for the northern French side in September 2023, becoming the youngest player in European club competition when he faced KI Klaksvik three days after turning 16. In total, Bouaddi made 96 appearances for Lille, recording four assists across all competitions while setting the mark for the most Ligue 1 appearances prior to turning 18. Off the pitch, he won the national academy eloquence competition organized by the French football league at the Elysee Palace in 2023. He sat out Lille's 2-0 league victory against Angers last weekend to complete his medical and administrative steps in England.
- Joined the Lille youth academy from Creil at age 13
- Debuted in the Europa Conference League against KI Klaksvik at age 16
- Earned first senior international cap for Morocco against Brazil
- Signed five-year contract with Manchester City
International impact and future role
After representing France at youth levels, Bouaddi committed his senior international career to Morocco earlier this year. He made his senior debut for the Atlas Lions in May against Brazil and quickly secured a starting role in the national setup. During the recent World Cup, Bouaddi started five of Morocco's six fixtures, resting only against Haiti during the group stage as the team advanced to the quarter-finals. The midfielder enters Maresca's side following City's 2-1 victory over Bournemouth in their Premier League opener. He joins international teammate Jeremy Doku at the Etihad Stadium as City integrate their newest central option into the squad.
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.
