Manchester City Sign Ayyoub Bouaddi for Record Teenage Fee

The 18-year-old Morocco international joins the Premier League side as a centerpiece of a reconstructed midfield following several high-profile departures.

August 28, 2026 · Manchester City, Ayyoub Bouaddi, Transfers, Premier League

Manchester City have completed the signing of midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Ligue 1 side Lille. According to BBC Sport Football, the deal is valued at £85.6m, comprising an upfront payment of £81.4m and £4.2m in potential add-ons. ESPN Soccer reports a different valuation for the transfer, stating that the cost was €95 million plus €5 million in add-ons.

The 18-year-old Morocco international signed a five-year contract with City, which is subject to international clearance. This acquisition makes Bouaddi the most expensive teenager ever signed by a Premier League club, surpassing the £58.9m fee Manchester United paid for Leny Yoro from Lille in 2024.

Midfield Reconstruction

The signing follows a period of significant turnover in City’s midfield department. BBC Sport Football reports that the club sold Rodri to Barcelona for £65m and Tijjani Reinders to Al-Qadsiah for £52m. However, ESPN Soccer provides a more extensive list of summer departures, noting that Bernardo Silva and Nico González also left the club during this window.

City’s recruitment strategy involves integrating Bouaddi into a revamped lineup alongside England midfielder Elliot Anderson, who joined from Nottingham Forest for £116m. According to ESPN Soccer, City currently has three recognized central midfielders in their squad: Bouaddi, Anderson, and Mateo Kovacic. While Anderson is noted for his box-to-box capabilities and number six role for England, Bouaddi functions as a deep-lying conductor.

Player Profile and Recruitment

Manchester City began tracking Bouaddi after he made his senior debut for Lille at age 16 in 2023. His profile increased significantly following a performance against Real Madrid in the Champions League during his 17th birthday. He also played a starring role for Morocco in the 2026 World Cup, starting five of six matches and finishing with more touches than any other teammate during an appearance against Brazil.

The club’s recruitment team engaged in internal discussions regarding the timing of the move. According to ESPN Soccer, there were debates between director of football Hugo Viana and his team about whether to sign Bouaddi immediately or wait until next summer, as well as whether to potentially loan him back to Lille for further development. Ultimately, City chose to meet Lille’s valuation to secure the player now.

Viana stated that the club was “increasingly convinced he is a huge talent who will thrive at City.” Bouaddi himself expressed his affinity for the club’s style of play, noting that “City always try and play quality football.”

Managerial Outlook and Market Context

Enzo Maresca has indicated that Bouaddi may see immediate first-team action. While the club’s social media used the tagline “the future doesn’t wait its turn,” Maresca told a news conference on Thursday, “He’s ready.” He further noted that the teenager appears mature and does not look 18 years old.

The transfer window remains active for Manchester City as they target Argentina international Enzo Fernández from Chelsea. The club is expected to submit an offer before the deadline, though Chelsea has set a valuation of £120m or above for any move.

Other notable movements involving these clubs include Savinho (now known as Savio) joining Tottenham in a £75m deal and Nico González’s £52m transfer to Newcastle. Additionally, Tottenham have agreed to a loan deal for Egypt forward Omar Marmoush from City.