Moroccan Star Ayyoub Bouaddi Completes €100 Million Transfer to Manchester City

Ayyoub Bouaddi has expressed his excitement after finalizing his move to Manchester City on Wednesday, declaring the team the "best club in the world." The 18-year-old Moroccan World Cup star arrives at the Etihad Stadium from Ligue 1 side Lens for a reported fee of €100 million.

Known as a cultured holding midfielder, Ayyoub Bouaddi joins the squad to help fill the void left by the departures of Bernardo Silva and Rodri this summer.

Reflecting on his transfer, Bouaddi said: "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. I have spent most of my life working hard to become the best player I can be and reach the top of the game."

He added: “I’ve watched City for many years, and I love their style of play. City always try to 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 [Marsesca] is a top manager. And I’m really looking forward to playing at the Etihad Stadium, in front of all the fans."

Bouaddi becomes the fifth summer signing for Manchester City, following the arrivals of Elliot Anderson, Geronimo Rulli, Jeremy Monga and Pierce Charles. He will wear the number 32 shirt, mirroring the number he wore during his time with Lille.

City's director of football, Hugo Viana, stated: “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 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.”