Man City confirm signing of midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille

Manchester City have completed the permanent signing of midfield sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for a fixed fee of £81.3 million plus £4.3 million in add-ons.

The Moroccan international has signed a five-year contract until 2031 on Wednesday, after City agreed a deal with the French club to secure the signature of the player on Monday.

The 18-year-old will wear the No. 32 shirt at the Etihad Stadium. He is seen as an ideal replacement for Spanish midfielder Rodri, who departed the club this summer to La Liga giants, Barcelona.

The midfield star was on Man City’s radar since July, after a breakthrough at the 2026 World Cup, where he was magnificent at the heart of Morocco’s midfield, displaying flashes of his qualities.

The Moroccan international’s move to the Etihad Stadium is documented as a record-breaking transfer for Lille, and the most-expensive teenage signing in Premier League history, surpassing the £58.9m Manchester United paid to Lille for Leny Yoro in 2024.

Bouaddi’s arrival follow City’s record-breaking £116 million deal to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest earlier in the window, following the agreement of City and Lille for the player’s move to England.

City are working to reinforce their midfield after the departures of Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Tijjani Reijnders.

Bouaddi, who is capable of operating as a defensive midfielder or in a more advanced role, gives City further versatility in midfield, leaving Enzo Maresca spoiled for choice in the middle of the park.

Speaking after signing for Man City, Bouaddi said: “This is a very special day for me and my family.

“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. I have spent most of my life working hard to become the best player I can be and reach the top of the game.

“I’ve watched City for many years, and I love their style of play. City always try and play quality football. And they have shown they are winners – this Club feels like it’s built to win.

“The squad is world-class and Enzo is a top manager. And I’m really looking forward to playing at the Etihad Stadium, in front of all the fans.

“I have plenty of improving to do. 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.

“This Club demands trophies and I will give everything to make sure we are challenging for every title.”

Director of Football Hugo Viana added: “Ayyoub’s potential is extremely high – a player equipped with everything a top midfielder needs.

“At just 18, he already has outstanding football intelligence and that will only improve under the guidance of Enzo.

“We have watched him very, very closely and throughout that process we have become increasingly convinced he is a huge talent who will thrive at City.

“We are really happy he has joined us and our job now is to ensure we provide him with everything he needs to fulfil his potential.”