Manchester City have signed Moroccan midfielder, Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille in a £85.6m transfer.
Bouaddi’s move comes after he enjoyed an impressive FIFA World Cup this summer with Morocco just weeks after he switched international allegiance from France, who coincidentally knocked Morocco out of the tournament at the Quarter-Final stage.
Man City subsequently found themselves engaged in lengthy discussions with Lille over the 18-year-old midfielder and eventually agreed a £85.6m total fee, which consisted of a £81.3m fixed fee plus a further £4.3m in add-ons.
Bouaddi has signed a six-year contract until June 2033 with City and is excited to join a top club challenging for major trophies.
“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. I have spent most of my life working hard to become the best player I can be and reach the top of the game.
“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.
“The squad is world-class and Enzo is a top manager. And I’m really looking forward to playing at the Etihad Stadium, in front of all the fans.
“I have plenty of improving to do. I am only 18. I am happy with the progress I have made so far, but I also know I can improve so much. This is undoubtedly the best place for me to do that.
“This Club demands trophies and I will give everything to make sure we are challenging for every title.”
City’s Director of Football, Hugo Viana added: “Ayyoub’s potential is extremely high – a player equipped with everything a top midfielder needs.
“At just 18, he already has outstanding football intelligence and that will only improve under the guidance of Enzo.
“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.”
Bouaddi began his career with AFC Creil before he moved to Lille in 2021 and spent two years in their academy, before he graduated into their senior team and made 96 appearances across the last three seasons.
He has also made eight total appearances for Morocco and his debut was made against Madagascar in a 4-0 friendly victory in May.
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