Manchester City have agreed an £85.6m deal to sign Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, with the 18-year-old set to join the Premier League champions on a five-year contract.
The transfer remains subject to international clearance. City will pay £81.4m initially, while a further £4.2m is available to Lille through performance-related add-ons.
Bouaddi arrives at the Etihad Stadium after establishing himself as an important member of Lille’s first team in Ligue 1 and producing an impressive display for Morocco at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The teenager started five of Morocco’s six matches as they reached the quarter-finals of the tournament. His performances on the international stage have strengthened his standing as one of the most promising young midfielders in European football.
The move forms part of a major reshaping of Manchester City’s midfield options this summer. Rodri has joined Barcelona for £65m, while Tijjani Reijnders has moved to Al-Qadsiah in a deal worth £52m.
Nico Gonzalez has also left City for Newcastle, with that transfer potentially rising to £52m depending on additional terms.
Bouaddi is expected to bring energy and technical ability to City’s midfield as he begins the next stage of his career under manager Enzo Maresca. The club view the Morocco international as a long-term addition who can develop within their squad while contributing to their immediate ambitions.
The midfielder said completing the transfer was a landmark moment for both him and his family, while describing Manchester City as the best club in the world.
“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,” Bouaddi said.
He added that he had followed City for several years and admired their commitment to playing high-quality football and competing for trophies.
Bouaddi’s arrival gives City another young option in a midfield that has undergone significant change during the summer. His experience at Lille, combined with his performances for Morocco at the World Cup, has accelerated his progress despite his age.
The agreement will be finalised once the required international clearance has been completed. Until then, City’s £85.6m commitment marks one of the most significant investments in a teenage midfielder and underlines their belief in Bouaddi’s potential.
