Manchester City sign Moroccan midfielder Ayoub Bouaddi from Lille

Manchester City has officially signed Moroccan teenage midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille on a five-year deal. The 18-year-old, who has already gained 8 international caps for Morocco, is City's sixth signing of the summer following the additions of Elliot Anderson, Pierce Charles, Jeremy Monga, Mathys Detourbet, and Geronimo Rulli.

Bouaddi's journey with Lille included making his senior debut at just 16 during a UEFA Conference League match, and he has since established himself as a regular for the French club. Prior to joining Lille, Bouaddi represented France at youth and Under-21 level, before switching to play for Morocco due to his parents' nationality, and excelling in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Expressing his excitement about the move, Bouaddi stated, "This is a very special day for me and my family. Manchester City are, for me, the best Club in the world... I’ve watched City for many years, and I love their style of play. City always try to play quality football. And they have shown they are winners – this Club feels like it’s built to win."

City's director of football, Hugo Viana, confirmed that Bouaddi's potential is outstanding, praising his football intelligence and predicting that he will thrive under manager Enzo. Viana added, "We have watched him very, very closely and throughout that process we have become increasingly convinced he is a huge talent who will thrive at City. We are really happy he has joined us and our job now is to ensure we provide him with everything he needs to fulfil his potential."

With Morocco's World Cup campaign garnering attention, Bouaddi is expected to make his debut against Crystal Palace in the Premier League 2026-27 season, on Friday.