Manchester City have officially announced the signing of Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, allowing the young midfielder to take one of the biggest steps of his career after his impressive performances in France and the World Cup.
The deal is part of the rebuilding of the English midfield, as City are looking for a player who can lead the game from deep and make up for Rodri’s departure, while having plenty of room for future development.
The deal cost Manchester City’s coffers €95 million, along with €5 million in potential additions, for a total value of €100 million, and Bouaddi signs a five-year contract that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2031.
“It’s a very special day for me and my family, and Manchester City is the best club in the world for me,” Bouadi said after the signing, stressing his admiration for the team’s style of play and his desire to develop and compete in all competitions.
Bouaddi became the most expensive teenage player in the history of football, and his deal became the biggest deal in the history of Arab players, after breaking the record set by Omar Marmoush’s move to City for 75 million euros in January 2025.
Bouaddi joined Lille’s academy before making his first-team debut just three days after his 16th birthday, and then became a key player. He made 96 appearances, 18 in his first season, 36 in his second season and 42 last season, in which he helped Lille reach third place and qualify for the Champions League.
Bouaddi’s value increased after his brilliance with Morocco in the 2026 World Cup, as he started in 5 matches and led the Atlas Lions to the quarter-finals. He stood out especially against Brazil with a 91% successful passing rate, along with 6 rebounds, 5 interceptions and 9 tackles.
