Manchester City have secured the signature of 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for £85.6m, consisting of an £81.4m upfront fee and £4.2m in add-ons. The Morocco international has signed a five-year contract, pending international clearance.
The massive fee eclipses the £58.9m Manchester United paid Lille for Leny Yoro in 2024. Bouaddi expressed his delight, stating that Manchester City are the best club in the world and calling it a dream to wear their shirt.
Bouaddi arrives following the departures of star midfielders Rodri to Barcelona and Tijjani Reijnders to Al-Qadsiah. He impressed during Morocco's run to the World Cup quarter-finals and made 96 appearances for Lille since his debut in 2023.
The teenage star will join a revamped midfield that already includes £116m signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. Manager Enzo Maresca's side are also weighing up a move for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez as their summer squad overhaul continues.
