Archive · 27 Aug 2026
Manchester City Sign Morocco Teenager Bouaddi for $117 Million
Manchester City have signed 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille.
Bouaddi is from Morocco and has agreed to a five-year contract.
Lille said the transfer was worth €100 million, or about $117 million.
Manchester City did not announce the financial details itself.
Bouaddi played 30 league games for Lille last season.
He also helped Morocco reach the World Cup quarter-finals.
City wanted to improve its midfield after several midfielders left.
Bouaddi said joining Manchester City was a dream and that he likes the club’s style of football.
Manchester City signed 18-year-old Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille on a five-year contract.
Lille valued the transfer at €100 million, equivalent to about £86 million or $117 million.
City moved for Bouaddi after Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders left, while Nico Gonzalez was reportedly poised to depart.
Bouaddi made 30 Ligue 1 appearances for Lille last season after becoming the club’s youngest player in 2023 at age 16.
He started five of Morocco’s six World Cup matches as the team reached the quarter-finals before losing to France.
- Who
- Manchester City, Lille and 18-year-old Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.
- What
- Manchester City signed Bouaddi on a five-year deal valued by Lille at €100 million, according to the French club.
- When
- The transfer was announced on Wednesday.
- Where
- Bouaddi is moving from Lille in France to Manchester City in England.
- Why
- Manchester City strengthened its midfield after Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders left, with Nico Gonzalez also reportedly poised to depart.
- Transfer fee
- €100 million (£86 million; $117 million), according to Lille and British media reports.
- Contract
- Five years.
- Player
- Ayyoub Bouaddi, an 18-year-old Morocco international.
- Lille appearances
- 30 Ligue 1 appearances last season.
- World Cup record
- Started five of Morocco’s six matches as the team reached the quarter-finals.
- Manchester City midfield
- Elliot Anderson has also joined, while Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders left during the transfer window.
- Player’s comments
- Bouaddi called Manchester City the best club in the world and praised its style of play.
