MANCHESTER CITY COMPLETE BLOCKBUSTER DEAL FOR MOROCCAN MIDFIELDER BOUADDI

Manchester City have completed the signing of highly rated Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, securing one of the most promising young talents in European football. The 18-year-old has signed a five-year contract that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2031.

Bouaddi arrives in Manchester after an impressive rise at Lille, where he made his senior debut just three days after turning 16. He went on to make 96 appearances for the French club before earning international recognition with Morocco. His performances at the 2026 World Cup further increased his profile and attracted interest from several major European clubs.

The transfer is reportedly worth €95 million (£81.3 million) upfront, with a further €5 million in potential add-ons, taking the total package to around €100 million. The deal makes Bouaddi the most expensive teenager signed by a Premier League club, surpassing the previous record associated with Leny Yoro.

His arrival is particularly significant for City as the club continues to rebuild its midfield following the departure of Rodri to Barcelona, alongside the exits of Bernardo Silva and Tijjani Reijnders. City had already spent heavily on Elliot Anderson and now see Bouaddi as another important piece of their midfield reconstruction under manager Enzo Maresca.

Bouaddi, who was born in France to Moroccan parents, switched his international allegiance to Morocco after previously representing France at youth level. He became one of Morocco's standout performers at the World Cup and will now begin a new chapter in England, where Manchester City will hope his technical ability, composure and versatility develop into a major asset for the club