Manchester City are moving closer to completing the blockbuster signing of Ayyoub Bouaddi, with the highly rated Lille midfielder expected in the North West on Monday to undergo a medical ahead of a deal worth up to £85.6 million.
City have reached an agreement with Lille for the 18-year-old Morocco international following negotiations over one of Europe’s most sought-after young midfielders. Sky Sports reports that the package consists of a fixed £81.3 million fee plus £4.3 million in potential add-ons.
Bouaddi is expected to complete his medical over the next 24 hours as the remaining formalities of the transfer are finalised. Morocco World News also reported on Monday that the teenager was heading to Manchester to complete the move.
City agree huge package with Lille
The overall agreement is worth approximately €100 million, making Bouaddi one of Manchester City’s most expensive signings and one of the costliest teenage footballers in history.
The Guardian reports that the structure is €95 million (£81.4m) guaranteed, with another €5 million available through add-ons. Lille left Bouaddi out of their Ligue 1 game against Angers as the transfer moved towards completion.
The midfielder’s arrival would continue a major overhaul of City’s squad under Enzo Maresca.
City have already invested heavily in their midfield this summer, including the £116 million signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.
Bouaddi shone for Morocco at World Cup
Despite being only 18, Bouaddi arrives with significant first-team and international experience.
He played 30 Ligue 1 matches for Lille during the 2025-26 season as the French club finished third and qualified for the Champions League.
Bouaddi then enhanced his reputation at the 2026 World Cup after choosing to represent Morocco at senior international level. He started five of Morocco’s six matches as the Atlas Lions reached the quarter-finals before being eliminated by France.
His rise began at Lille, where he became the youngest player to feature in a European club competition when he made his UEFA Conference League debut aged 16 in October 2023.
Transfer now moves towards completion
City’s agreement with Lille was first reported over the weekend, but Bouaddi’s scheduled arrival and medical represent another major step towards the transfer being formally completed.
Reuters reported on Sunday that British media had placed the total value of the agreement at up to €100 million, while ESPN separately confirmed through sources that City had agreed a deal with Lille.
Provided the medical and remaining formalities are successfully completed, City will be in position to officially unveil one of the biggest signings of the summer.
