Manchester City Sign Ayyoub Bouaddi From Lille in High-Profile Summer Transfer

Manchester City have confirmed the high-profile acquisition of Ayyoub Bouaddi from French side Lille, securing the services of the prodigious Moroccan midfielder in a deal that could reach €100 million (approximately £86 million) including add-ons. The 18-year-old officially completed his move to the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, marking a significant statement of intent from the reigning Premier League champions. Omar Marmoush Transfer News: Manchester City Reportedly Agree Sell Egyptian Forward To Tottenham Hotspur for £50M.

The transfer, which includes an initial fixed fee of €95 million (£81.3 million) and a further €5 million (£4.3 million) in performance-related bonuses, sees Bouaddi become the most expensive teenage signing in Premier League history, surpassing the fee paid for Leny Yoro in 2024. He also sets a new record as the most expensive player ever sold by a Ligue 1 club, exceeding Neymar's 2023 move to Al-Hilal, and becomes the priciest Moroccan player in history.

Midfield Overhaul Continues

Bouaddi's arrival is a crucial component of Manchester City's ongoing midfield transformation, following the departures of key players. The club has seen Rodri move to Barcelona, Bernardo Silva leave upon his contract's expiration, and Tijjani Reijnders join Al Qadsiah. City had already invested heavily earlier in the window with the £116 million signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.

Upon joining, Bouaddi expressed his excitement, stating, “This is a very special day for me and my family. Manchester City are, for me, the best Club in the world. It's a dream to be here and be able to call myself a City player.” He added, “I’ve watched City for many years, and I love their style of play. City always try and play quality football. And they have shown they are winners – this Club feels like it’s built to win.”

A Star on the Rise

Born on October 2, 2007, Bouaddi is a versatile midfielder, primarily operating as a defensive midfielder (No. 6), known for his composure, accurate passing, and ability to dictate play from deep. He recently gained global recognition for his standout performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he started five of Morocco's six matches as they reached the quarter-finals.

His rapid ascent has been notable since his professional debut for Lille. Bouaddi became the youngest player ever to feature in a European club competition game, doing so at just 16 years and 3 days in October 2023. A year later, on his 17th birthday, he started a UEFA Champions League match for Lille against Real Madrid, earning widespread praise for his maturity. During the 2025-26 season, he made 30 Ligue 1 appearances and a total of 42 appearances across all competitions for Lille.

Bouaddi has signed a five-year contract with Manchester City, with an option for an additional year, tying him to the club until at least 2031. His debut for his new club could potentially come as early as Friday, August 28, 2026, when Manchester City face Crystal Palace. Phil Foden Extends Manchester City Contract Until 2030.

This landmark signing underscores Manchester City's commitment to nurturing young talent and maintaining their competitive edge, as they integrate one of football's most promising midfielders into Enzo Maresca's plans for the coming seasons.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 26, 2026 04:15 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).