City confirm £86m Bouaddi transfer from Lille

Manchester City has acquired midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille in a deal worth £85.6 million, making the Morocco international the most expensive teenager in Premier League history.

The 18-year-old has signed a five-year contract, pending international clearance, with City paying £81.4 million upfront and an additional £4.2 million in performance-related add-ons.

Following the sale of central midfielders Rodri to Barcelona for £65 million and Tijjani Reinders to Al-Qadsiah for £52 million, Enzo Maresca's team moved swiftly to secure Bouaddi. He showcased his talent during this summer's World Cup, starting five of Morocco's six matches as they advanced to the quarter-finals, and has been a pivotal player for Lille in Ligue 1 "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," Bouaddi expressed."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 fee for Bouaddi surpasses the £58.9m paid by Manchester United to sign French defender Leny Yoro, also from Lille, in 2024. Bouaddi made 96 appearances for Lille after making his debut in 2023, helping them finish third in Ligue 1 last season.At just 16 years old, he made history as the youngest footballer to debut for the French club, playing against Faroese team KI in the Europa League. He further established his reputation on the global stage with a standout performance in Lille's Champions League triumph over Real Madrid in 2024.

Bouaddi will be part of a restructured midfield, with City having already signed England midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million.

Bouaddi operates as a deep-lying playmaker, complementing Anderson, who excels in both box-to-box roles and the number six position he occupies for England. Additionally, City is preparing to submit an offer for Chelsea's Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez, although it remains uncertain if a deal can be reached for the 25-year-old, who is valued at £120 million.

Bouaddi's transfer follows the earlier signing of Brazilian winger Savinho, now referred to as Savio, who joined Tottenham for £75 million earlier this week.