Manchester City has officially secured the signing of Ayyoub Bouaddi, a promising 18-year-old midfielder, in a record-breaking £86 million deal from Lille. The transfer comprises a fixed fee of £81.3 million plus an additional £4.3 million in performance-related add-ons. Bouaddi has committed to a five-year contract, ensuring his presence at City until the summer of 2031.

Bouaddi now holds the title of the most expensive teenage signing in Premier League history, surpassing the previous record set by Manchester United for Leny Yoro in 2024.

Lille successfully negotiated the fee they aimed for, having recognized Bouaddi as one of the standout players during this summer's World Cup with Morocco. City is actively working on strengthening their midfield following the departures of key players including Rodri, Bernardo Silva, and Tijjani Reijnders.

In his own words, Bouaddi expressed his excitement:

Manchester City are, for me, the best club in the world. It's a dream to be here... I love their style of play... This club demands trophies and I will give everything to make sure we are challenging for every title.

Hugo Viana, City’s director of football, praised Bouaddi's potential, stating, "Ayyoub's potential is extremely high... We are really happy he has joined us."

Bouaddi has indicated that he is likely to take on a defensive midfield role at City, emphasizing his team-oriented approach. He aims to balance the team and support his teammates effectively.

Having left a mark during Morocco's recent World Cup campaign, particularly in a notable match against Brazil, Bouaddi has garnered attention for his impressive performances, establishing himself as a player to watch in the coming seasons.