Manchester City have completed the signing of teenage Morocco sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille in a deal worth up to £86 million, making him the most expensive teenage signing in Premier League history.
The 18-year-old midfielder has signed a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium, keeping him at City until the summer of 2031.
City will pay Lille a guaranteed £81.3 million, with a further £4.3 million available in add-ons, according to Sky Sports News. The package eclipses the £58.9 million Manchester United committed to Lille for Leny Yoro in 2024, the previous Premier League record for a teenager.
Bouaddi: ‘It’s a dream to be here’
Bouaddi arrives in Manchester after a rapid rise that has established him as one of the most highly rated young midfielders in European football.
The Morocco international described joining City as a dream and said the club’s style and record of winning trophies had attracted him to the Etihad.
“This is a very special day for me and my family,” Bouaddi said.
“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.”
Despite the enormous transfer fee, Bouaddi stressed that he remains at the beginning of his development.
“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.”
World Cup displays fuelled teenager’s reputation
Bouaddi arrives after enhancing his reputation with Morocco during this summer’s World Cup.
Having previously represented France at youth and Under-21 level, the midfielder switched his international allegiance to Morocco and made his senior debut in May. He went on to start five of Morocco’s six World Cup matches as the Atlas Lions reached the quarter-finals.
His display against Brazil was particularly impressive, with City highlighting his composure and ability to dictate play against an experienced Brazilian midfield.
Bouaddi had already accumulated significant senior experience at Lille despite his age. He made his first-team debut in the UEFA Conference League just three days after turning 16 and leaves the French club having made 96 appearances.
City rebuild midfield under Maresca
Bouaddi becomes another major piece of Manchester City’s midfield rebuild under Enzo Maresca.
City have also signed England midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for a reported £116 million this summer, while Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Tijjani Reijnders have all departed.
Director of football Hugo Viana believes Bouaddi has the attributes required to develop into an elite midfielder.
“Ayyoub’s potential is extremely high – a player equipped with everything a top midfielder needs,” Viana said.
“At just 18, he already has outstanding football intelligence and that will only improve under the guidance of Enzo.”
The £86 million deal now places enormous expectations on Bouaddi, but City have secured the teenager on a long-term contract as they build the next generation of their midfield.
