Manchester City have officially completed the signing of teenage Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille. The transfer, confirmed by the French club on Wednesday, is valued at 100 million euros ($117m) and ties the 18-year-old to the Etihad Stadium on a five-year deal.
The move follows a period of intense speculation regarding the midfielder’s future. City moved to secure Bouaddi as part of a significant squad reshuffle that saw the departures of Rodri to Barcelona and Tijjani Reijnders to Al-Qadsiah, with Nico Gonzalez also expected to exit the club.
Bouaddi’s stock rose significantly during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he served as a vital component of the Morocco squad. His composed performances in the center of the park helped the Atlas Lions reach the tournament quarterfinals before their eventual elimination by France.
Reflecting on his move to the Premier League, Bouaddi expressed his excitement in a statement released by his new club. “This is a very special day for me and my family,” he 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. I have spent most of my life working hard to become the best player I can be and reach the top of the game.”
He added that the club’s tactical identity was a major draw: “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.”
Despite his youth, Bouaddi has already established a reputation for maturity beyond his years. Earlier this year, he became the youngest player to reach 50 appearances in Ligue 1. His breakthrough on the European stage occurred in 2024, when, on the eve of his 17th birthday, he played a pivotal role in Lille’s Champions League victory over Real Madrid, holding his own against established stars like Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni.
Football analysts have frequently lauded his technical versatility. While many holding midfielders focus primarily on defensive duties, Bouaddi is noted for his ability to dictate the tempo, carry the ball, and initiate attacking transitions. Commentator Khalil Jadallah famously compared his potential to that of Sergio Busquets, noting, “He can pass, he can defend, he can carry the ball, control the tempo … all this and he is only 18 years old.”
The sentiment is shared by fans, including Mohammed, manager of Restaurante Jerusalem in Barcelona, who described the youngster as an “amazing” talent and a consummate professional. As he prepares for his debut in England, Bouaddi stands as a symbol of the new generation of Moroccan football talent. The report also notes that with three years remaining on the deal, they were expecting suitors to meet the 100 million euros (€117m) asking price, lille extended Bouaddi’s contract last year and. The report also notes that having risen through the French youth ranks, Bouaddi was tied to the French national team programme and marked as a future talent. The report also notes that being ahead of his time has been a theme throughout Bouaddi’s career.
