Man City sign teenage Morocco star Bouaddi in £86m record deal

Manchester City have completed the signing of Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from French side Lille in an 85.6 million pound deal, making the 18-year-old the most expensive teenager in Premier League history.

Bouaddi has agreed to a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium, subject to international clearance. Manchester City will pay an initial fee of 81.4 million pounds upfront, alongside 4.2 million pounds in potential add-ons.

The move comes as manager Enzo Maresca seeks to rebuild his central midfield following the departures of key players earlier in the transfer window.

Expressing his delight over the move, Bouaddi described joining the English champions as a dream come true for both himself and his family. He stated that he considers Manchester City to be the best club in the world, noting that he has admired the team's quality style of play and winning record for many years.

The fee paid for Bouaddi eclipses the previous record for a teenager, which was set when defender Leny Yoro moved from Lille to Manchester United for 58.9 million pounds in 2024.

Bouaddi made 96 senior appearances for Lille after making his debut in 2023. At just 16 years old, he became the youngest player in the French club's history when he featured against Faroese side KI in the Europa League. He later gained widespread recognition after playing a starring role in Lille's Champions League victory over Real Madrid in 2024 and helping his former club secure a third-place finish in Ligue 1 last season.

On the international stage, Bouaddi has earned eight caps for Morocco. He established himself as a vital player during this summer's World Cup, starting five of the national team's six matches during their run to the quarter-finals.

Bouaddi is expected to function as a deep-lying conductor alongside fellow new signing Elliot Anderson, who recently completed a 116 million pound transfer from Nottingham Forest.

The acquisition of Bouaddi forms part of a major midfield overhaul at Manchester City. The club recently sold 2024 Ballon d'Or winner Rodri to Barcelona for 65 million pounds and allowed Tijjani Reijnders to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Qadsiah for 52 million pounds. Central midfielder Bernardo Silva has also left the Etihad, while Nico Gonzalez is set to complete a 52 million pound transfer to Newcastle United.

City remain active in the market as the transfer deadline approaches, with the club set to make an offer for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who is valued at 120 million pounds.

The club has also sanctioned several attacking departures, with Brazilian winger Savio moving to Tottenham Hotspur in a 75 million pound deal and Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush joining Spurs on a season-long loan.

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