Manchester City Complete Record £86m Signing of Teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi

Manchester City have completed the signing of 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille in a deal worth £86 million, making the Morocco international the most expensive teenage signing in Premier League history.

City are paying a fixed fee of £81.3 million plus a further £4.3 million in potential add-ons for the highly-rated midfielder, who has signed a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2031. The move surpasses the £58.9 million Manchester United paid Lille for Leny Yoro in 2024, underlining just how highly Bouaddi is regarded across Europe.

Bouaddi made his Lille debut in October 2023, just three days after turning 16, and went on to make 88 appearances for the French club, helping them finish third in Ligue 1 last season. He further enhanced his reputation with a standout showing for Morocco at this year's World Cup, drawing particular praise for his performance against Brazil in the group stage. The teenager arrives at City as a direct response to Rodri's departure to Barcelona, with head coach Enzo Maresca overseeing a significant rebuild of his midfield options this summer, which has already included the club-record £116 million signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.

"Manchester City are, for me, the best club in the world," Bouaddi said following his move. "I grew up with Manchester City under Guardiola, and what he did was just amazing. I have spent most of my life working hard to become the best player I can be, and I know I still have plenty of improving to do. This club demands trophies, and I will give everything to make sure we are challenging for every title."

Despite the marquee arrival, City remain in the market for further midfield reinforcement, with reports continuing to link the club with a move for Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez before the transfer window closes. For now, though, the capture of one of European football's most exciting young talents gives Maresca a genuine statement signing to build his new-look midfield around.