Ayyoub Bouaddi is officially a Manchester City player. The English giants confirmed the arrival of the 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder on Wednesday, putting an end to weeks of speculation surrounding his future.
Bouaddi has signed a contract with City running until the summer of 2031. According to reports, the transfer involves a total package of up to €100 million: €95 million fixed, supplemented by up to €5 million in add-ons.
Record Transfer for Lille
The move represents a massive financial windfall for Lille, making Bouaddi the most expensive outgoing transfer in the French club's history.
Furthermore, according to L'Équipe, it is the largest ever transfer from a Ligue 1 club to a foreign side. The deal highlights not only Bouaddi's exceptional development but also the immense value that top European clubs now place on the young midfielder.
The transfer also makes Bouaddi the most expensive teenager ever to move to the Premier League, eclipsing the previous record set by Leny Yoro, who joined Manchester United from Lille in 2024 for £58.9 million.
Breakthrough at Lille
Bouaddi leaves Lille after establishing himself as a first-team regular at a very young age.
The midfielder made his debut for the French club in 2023 at just 16 years old. Last season, he made 30 appearances in Ligue 1, growing into one of the most standout young players in the division.
His development did not go unnoticed outside of France. After representing various French youth teams, Bouaddi ultimately chose to represent Morocco internationally, a decision that proved to be a major step in his career.
Impressive World Cup with Morocco
Bouaddi made his senior debut for the Moroccan national team in May and subsequently became a key player during the 2026 World Cup.
The midfielder started five of Morocco's six matches at the tournament. The Atlas Lions ultimately reached the quarter-finals, firmly placing Bouaddi on the radar of Europe's elite.
His performances on the world stage confirmed what Lille had known for some time: Bouaddi possesses exceptional composure on the ball, tactical intelligence, and the ability to shoulder responsibility in midfield at a young age.
Rodri's Successor?
A massive challenge awaits him immediately at Manchester City.
The club is currently reshaping its midfield, and Bouaddi is viewed as a player who can eventually play a vital role in the holding midfield position. Manchester City describes him as a ball-playing midfielder while emphasizing his defensive qualities.
Bouaddi will wear the number 32 shirt at City.
For the Moroccan starlet, this transfer represents the ultimate step into the upper echelon of European football. From Lille to Manchester City at just 18 years of age, Ayyoub Bouaddi is embarking on the biggest chapter of his career yet.