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Manchester City have agreed a deal worth up to £86 million to sign 18-year-old Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille.
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The teenager is set to become the most expensive teenage signing in Premier League history, with City paying £81.3 million upfront plus potential add-ons.
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Bouaddi arrives as Manchester City continue a major midfield rebuild following the departures of Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Tijjani Reijnders.
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Manchester City have agreed a deal worth up to £86 million to sign Lille and Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.
August 23, (THEWILL) — The Premier League champions will pay an initial £81.3 million, with a further £4.3 million potentially due in add-ons.
The move will make the 18-year-old one of the most expensive teenagers in Premier League history, surpassing the £58.9 million Manchester United agreed to pay Lille for defender, Leny Yoro, in 2024.
Bouaddi emerged as one of Morocco’s standout young players during the 2026 World Cup, attracting significant attention with his performances on the international stage.
His impending move to Manchester City represents another major step in the teenager’s rapid rise.
City Continue Midfield Rebuild
Manchester City have been reshaping their midfield following the departures of several key players.
Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Tijjani Reijnders have all left the club, leaving Pep Guardiola’s side looking to inject fresh energy and quality into the middle of the pitch.
Bouaddi is viewed as a versatile midfielder capable of contributing in several positions. He can operate as a defensive midfielder but is also comfortable playing further forward, giving City additional tactical flexibility.
The French-born Morocco international has developed quickly at Lille and is now set to take on the challenge of competing for a place in one of Europe’s strongest squads.
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More Midfield Reinforcements Possible
Bouaddi may not be the final midfield addition for Manchester City this summer.
The club remain interested in Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez and Roma’s Manu Kone as they continue to assess their options.
There is also uncertainty surrounding Nico Gonzalez, whose future has attracted interest from Newcastle.
City’s recruitment drive highlights their determination to rebuild a midfield that has undergone significant changes over the past year.
Record Spending Continues
Bouaddi’s arrival would come shortly after Manchester City completed another major deal earlier in the transfer window.
The club paid £116 million to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, further underlining their willingness to invest heavily in rebuilding the squad.
At just 18, Bouaddi now arrives with enormous expectations. His ability to play both as a holding midfielder and in a more advanced role could make him an important part of City’s plans for the future.
The Moroccan midfielder will now look to make the transition from Lille prospect to Premier League star as Manchester City begin another chapter in their midfield rebuild.
Olumide Atiba is a sports journalist with THEWILL, known for his keen news sense and compelling storytelling. He has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, well-structured reports that resonate with readers, with a strong focus on football coverage
