Manchester City Complete €100 Million Blockbuster Signing of Teenage Moroccan Midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille

Manchester City have officially secured the signing of teenage Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille in a massive deal valued at 100 million euros ($117 million), as confirmed by the French club on Wednesday. This move brings a definitive end to widespread speculation surrounding the future of the prodigious football talent.

Premier League giants Manchester City pursued Bouaddi following the departures of Rodri to Barcelona and Tijjani Reijnders to Al-Qadsiah, alongside Nico Gonzalez's impending exit from the Etihad. Bouaddi previously delivered standout performances for Morocco during the FIFA World Cup 2026, anchoring the midfield with composure as the Atlas Lions advanced to the quarterfinals before bowing out to France.

Having extended his contract the previous year with three seasons remaining, Lille held firm on their 100 million euros (€117m) valuation. Expressing his excitement, Bouaddi stated in a club release that joining Manchester City is a dream come true, praising the team's winning mentality and distinctive style of play.

A product of the French youth system, Bouaddi has consistently broken records throughout his young career. Earlier in the year, he made history as the youngest player to reach 50 appearances in Ligue 1. His breakthrough moment arrived on the eve of his 17th birthday in 2024, when he helped Lille claim a memorable Champions League victory over Real Madrid against a formidable midfield featuring Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni.

Pundits and fans alike have lauded Bouaddi for his exceptional ability to dictate the tempo, shield the defence, and initiate attacks. Widely compared to legendary figures like Sergio Busquets, the 18-year-old now stands as a central figure for both his club and the Moroccan national team.