Manchester City Officially Sign Ayyoub Bouaddi in €100m Deal

The Premier League club will pay €95 million upfront, with a further €5 million available in add-ons. Bouaddi has signed a contract running until June 2031.

The 18-year-old midfielder becomes the most expensive teenage signing by an English club, surpassing Manchester United's previous record for Leny Yoro.

Bouaddi joins City's midfield rebuild

Bouaddi arrives at the Etihad after establishing himself as one of Europe's most promising young midfielders during his breakthrough spell at Lille.

He made his senior debut for the French club at just 16 in 2023 and went on to make 30 Ligue 1 appearances during the 2025/26 campaign. His performances also earned him a place in Morocco's World Cup squad, where he started five of the country's six matches as the Atlas Lions reached the quarter-finals.

Primarily a defensive midfielder, Bouaddi is capable of operating in different roles in the centre of the pitch. His arrival is part of City's significant midfield overhaul following the departures of Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Tijjani Reijnders.

City have already invested heavily in the position this summer, bringing in England midfielder Elliot Anderson in a deal reported to be worth £116 million.

Bouaddi excited by City move

Following confirmation of the transfer, Bouaddi expressed his delight at joining the Premier League giants.

“This is a very special day for me and my family,” the midfielder said, describing Manchester City as “the best club in the world” and saying it was a dream to become a City player.

City's director of football Hugo Viana also highlighted the teenager's potential, describing him as a player with the qualities required to develop into a top midfielder.

Bouaddi will wear the No. 32 shirt at Manchester City and becomes the latest major addition to Enzo Maresca's squad.

With his transfer now officially completed, City will hope the Moroccan youngster can develop into a long-term midfield cornerstone as the club enter a new era.