Omanghana
Manchester City have reached an agreement with French Ligue 1 club Lille for the transfer of highly rated Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.
The proposed deal is worth up to €100 million, equivalent to approximately £85.6 million. City are expected to pay an initial €95 million—about £81.4 million—with a further €5 million, or £4.2 million, potentially due in performance-related add-ons.
Bouaddi must still complete his medical and the remaining transfer formalities before the move can be officially announced by the clubs. Lille reportedly left him out of their Ligue 1 fixture against Angers as the transfer moved closer to completion.
Bouaddi Set to Break Premier League Record
If finalized under the reported terms, the transfer would make Bouaddi the most expensive teenage signing in Premier League history.
The size of the agreement reflects City’s confidence in the 18-year-old, who has emerged as one of European football’s most promising young central midfielders.
Bouaddi primarily operates as a defensive or deep-lying midfielder. His composure in possession, tactical awareness and ability to resist pressure have allowed him to compete at senior level despite his young age.
Part of Manchester City’s Midfield Rebuild
Bouaddi’s anticipated arrival forms part of Manchester City’s extensive midfield reconstruction following the departures of established players, including Rodri and Bernardo Silva.
City have invested heavily in younger midfield options as they reshape the squad for the coming seasons. Bouaddi is expected to be considered for the first team rather than immediately returning to Lille on loan.
However, his precise role will depend on how quickly he adapts to English football and the tactical expectations at the Etihad Stadium.
From Lille Prospect to European Standout
Bouaddi made his senior Lille debut against KÍ Klaksvík in the UEFA Europa Conference League on October 5, 2023, only three days after celebrating his 16th birthday.
That appearance made him Lille’s youngest senior player and the youngest footballer at the time to feature in a UEFA club competition.
He later made his Ligue 1 debut before becoming an increasingly important member of Lille’s midfield. His rapid development continued during the 2025/26 campaign, when he made 30 league appearances and helped the club finish third to secure Champions League qualification.
Bouaddi has accumulated extensive first-team experience across Ligue 1, domestic cup competitions and European football before turning 19.
Teenager Impresses for Morocco at World Cup
Born in France and previously involved with French youth teams, Bouaddi subsequently committed his international future to Morocco.
He made a major impression during the 2026 World Cup, starting five of Morocco’s six matches as the Atlas Lions advanced to the quarterfinals. Their campaign eventually ended with defeat to France.
His performances on the international stage strengthened his reputation and demonstrated his ability to handle high-pressure matches against elite opposition.
The agreement represents a remarkable rise for Bouaddi, who progressed from Lille’s academy to the verge of a record-breaking Premier League transfer in less than three years.
Source: Omanghana
