Man City complete £86m Bouaddi signing from Lille

Manchester City have completed a £86 million signing of Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, making the 18-year-old the Premier League’s most expensive teenager. The young talent joins on a five-year contract, subject to international clearance, with City paying £81.4 million upfront and £4.2 million in potential add-ons.

Manager Enzo Maresca targeted Bouaddi after selling Rodri to Barcelona for £65 million and Reinders to Al-Qadsiah for £52 million. Bouaddi impressed during the recent World Cup, starting all five of Morocco's matches in the quarter-final stage. He also had a significant impact at Lille in Ligue 1, forming part of the team that finished third last season.

Bouaddi's signing is set to bolster City's midfield, complementing the arrival of England midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million. The club is also considering an offer for Chelsea's Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez, valued at £120 million, although the likelihood of a deal remains uncertain.

This signing comes shortly after Manchester United's £58.9 million signing of Lille defender Leny Yoro in 2024. Bolton's acquisition of Omar Marmoush from City on a loan deal and Newcastle's expected acquisition of Nico Gonzalez from City for £52 million are other notable moves in the transfer window.