Ayyoub Bouaddi Set to Fly to Manchester Ahead of €100m Move to Manchester City

The 18-year-old is scheduled to travel to Manchester on Monday to finalise his transfer, with City having agreed a deal worth €95 million upfront plus a further €5 million in potential bonuses.

Bouaddi is expected to sign a five-year contract with Manchester City, with an option to extend the agreement by another year. The deal would make him one of the most expensive teenagers in football history.

The Morocco international's family had already visited Manchester several weeks ago as discussions over the transfer progressed. With the agreement now in place, Bouaddi's trip is expected to precede his medical and the final formalities of the move.

City secure highly rated midfield talent

Bouaddi has emerged as one of Europe's most exciting young midfielders after making his senior debut for Lille at just 16.

The midfielder enjoyed an impressive 2025/26 campaign, making 30 Ligue 1 appearances as Lille finished third and secured Champions League qualification. His performances also earned him international recognition with Morocco, for whom he featured prominently at the 2026 World Cup.

His development has attracted significant interest across Europe, but Manchester City have now won the race for his signature.

The move comes as City reshape their midfield following the departure of Rodri to Barcelona. The club have already invested heavily in Elliot Anderson and are continuing to strengthen the position under new manager Enzo Maresca.

Major investment in City's future

Bouaddi's arrival represents another significant investment in City's long-term midfield plans.

Although the teenager is not necessarily expected to immediately replace Rodri, his technical ability, defensive awareness and versatility provide City with another option in the centre of the pitch.

The €100 million package also underlines the club's belief in his potential. The initial €95 million fee is accompanied by €5 million in add-ons, taking the overall value of the agreement to the four-figure million mark in euros.

Once his medical and final paperwork are completed, Bouaddi will officially begin his Manchester City career and become one of the most expensive young players ever recruited by an English club.

For City, the signing represents both a response to major midfield departures and a statement of intent about their plans for the next generation.