Manchester City Completes Historic Signing of Ayyoub Bouaddi

In a landmark move for both the club and the player, Manchester City has finalized a deal with Lille OSC to acquire Moroccan international midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi for a staggering €100 million (£86 million). This transfer marks a significant step in City’s strategy to reinforce their midfield, especially following the recent exits of key players such as Rodri, Bernardo Silva, and Tijjani Reijnders. The structure of the deal includes an initial fee of £81.3 million, complemented by additional performance-related bonuses totaling £4.3 million.

This acquisition of the 18-year-old Bouaddi positions him to become the most expensive teenage player in Premier League history, eclipsing the previous record set by Manchester United's signing of Leny Yoro from Lille for £58.9 million in 2024. Bouaddi's rise to prominence was solidified during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he emerged as one of the standout performers for Morocco, captivating audiences and analysts alike with his dynamic play and composure on the ball.

Impressive World Cup Performance Highlights Bouaddi's Potential

The young midfielder's performance in Morocco's World Cup match against Brazil was particularly noteworthy, where he demonstrated his exceptional skills and tactical awareness. Bouaddi's ability to hold his own against seasoned players like Bruno Guimaraes and Casemiro was a testament to his confidence and maturity on the international stage. He recorded the highest number of touches on the ball among his teammates, totaling 87, which highlighted his integral role in controlling the game’s tempo.

Experts have praised Bouaddi for his remarkable agility and ball-handling skills, often escaping tight defensive situations with ease. Standing at 186 cm, his athletic build allows him to shield the ball effectively while executing sharp turns and rapid directional changes, making him a formidable presence in midfield. As he transitions to Manchester City, expectations will undoubtedly be high as fans and analysts alike anticipate how his talents will contribute to the club’s ambitions in both domestic and European competitions.

As reported by northafricapost.com.