Man City complete £86m Bouaddi signing from Lille

Manchester City has signed Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from French club Lille for a record-breaking £85.6 million fee. The 18-year-old joins on a five-year contract, with City paying £81.4 million up front and an additional £4.2 million in add-ons, subject to international clearance. This transfer makes Bouaddi the most expensive teenager in the Premier League.

He impressed during the 2024 World Cup, starting in all six matches as Morocco reached the quarter-finals, after becoming a key player for Lille in Ligue 1. Bouaddi expressed his excitement about joining City, stating that it is a dream come true for him and his family. He praised City's playing style and their reputation for winning.

The fee surpasses the £58.9 million paid by Manchester United for French defender Leny Yoro in 2024. Bouaddi, who made 96 appearances for Lille, will strengthen City's revamped midfield alongside England midfielder Elliot Anderson, who joined for £116 million. City is also considering an offer for Chelsea's £120 million-rated midfielder Enzo Fernandez.