Man City Signs Ayyoub Bouaddi in Record €100M Deal from Lille

Ayyoub Bouaddi joins Manchester City on a five-year contract worth up to €100 million, surpassing Leny Yoro as the most expensive Premier League teenager.

Manchester City has finalized the acquisition of Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for a total package of €100 million ($117m / £85.6m). The 18-year-old midfielder arrives at the Etihad Stadium on a five-year contract that runs until 2031. City will pay an initial sum of €95 million, with an additional €5 million structured as potential bonuses. This transaction establishes Bouaddi as the most expensive teenager in Premier League history, breaking the previous record of €70 million set when Leny Yoro moved from Lille to Manchester United in 2024.

Bouaddi joins the reigning champions following a summer where he started five of Morocco's six matches at the World Cup. The 19-year-old international notably featured in a 1-1 draw against Brazil during Morocco's opening game of that tournament. His arrival marks the second major midfield addition for manager Enzo Maresca this summer, following the signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. The recruitment drive follows the departure of Rodri, who left Manchester City to join Barcelona earlier in the transfer window.

Midfield Reinforcements Under Enzo Maresca

The need for midfield depth was evident during City’s Premier League season opener against Bournemouth. In that fixture, Maresca utilized centre-back Marc Guéhi in a central midfield role to compensate for roster gaps. Bouaddi, who grew up watching the club under the tenure of former manager Pep Guardiola, described the move as a dream. He noted that the campus and team structure are designed for peak performance, citing the Premier League as the most competitive championship in world football.

Despite the significant investment in the Moroccan international, Manchester City continues to be linked with Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández. The club is attempting to further solidify the center of the pitch before the transfer window concludes. This activity comes amidst several high-profile departures from the Etihad, including the sale of Savio to Tottenham Hotspur. Savio recently changed his professional name from Savinho following his move to the North London club.

Transfer Window Activity and Squad Changes

The closing stages of the window remain busy for the Manchester City front office. While Bouaddi arrives to bolster the ranks, Omar Marmoush is expected to join Savio at Tottenham. Bouaddi expressed a desire to debut as soon as possible, emphasizing that City’s style of play and winning reputation were primary factors in his decision to sign. He stated that the club is built to win and produces quality football that he has admired for many years.

Rob Dawson reported the completion of the deal at 06:15 AM ET on August 26, 2026. The move represents a significant profit for Lille, who have now sold two teenagers for a combined €170 million to Manchester-based clubs within a two-year span. Bouaddi’s five-year deal ensures his presence at the club through the end of the decade as City transitions into the Enzo Maresca era. The player highlighted the importance of hard work in reaching the top of the game and becoming the best player possible within the City setup.