Manchester City Announces Record Bouaddi Transfer

Manchester City has officially announced the signing of Ayoub Bouaddi from Lille for a fixed fee of £81.3 million, plus an additional £4.3 million in add-ons. The total sum, amounting to £85.6 million (100 million euros), makes the Moroccan midfielder the most expensive teenager in Premier League history. This transfer significantly surpasses the £58.9 million Manchester United paid Lille for Leny Yoro in 2024.

Bouaddi has penned a five-year contract with Manchester City.

This marks City's second major investment in bolstering their midfield this summer. Earlier, the Citizens secured Elliott Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million. Earlier today, the BBC reported that City is also preparing a £120 million bid for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

City has seen four midfielders depart during the current transfer window. Bernardo Silva left earlier this summer to join Real Madrid. Tijjani Reijnders was sold to Saudi club Al-Qadsiah for £52 million, while Barcelona signed Rodri for £65 million. Newcastle has also reached an agreement with City for Nico Gonzalez, a deal reportedly worth £52 million.

“For me, Manchester City is the best club in the world. It's a dream to be here and to be able to call myself a City player. I've spent most of my life working hard to become the best footballer I can be and to reach the pinnacle of the game. I've watched City for many years and I love their style of play. They always try to play quality football. And they've shown they are winners – this club seems built to win. The squad is world-class, and Enzo Maresca is a top manager. I'm looking forward to playing at the Etihad.”

“I have a lot to improve. I'm only 18 years old. I'm pleased with the progress I've made so far, but I also know I can get much better. This is undoubtedly the best place for me to do that. This club wants trophies, and I will give everything to ensure we compete for every single one,” Bouaddi stated on the Citizens' official website.

The 18-year-old talent has made 96 appearances for Lille's first team and earned eight caps for the Moroccan national team.