Manchester City Finalizes Agreement to Acquire Young Moroccan Talent Ayyoub Bouaddi
In a significant move that underscores their ambition for the upcoming season, Manchester City has officially reached an agreement to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi, a promising midfielder from French Ligue 1 club Lille. The deal, reportedly valued at a staggering £86 million, marks a new milestone as it makes Bouaddi the most expensive teenage signing in the history of the Premier League. The structure of the deal includes an immediate payment of £81.3 million, complemented by an additional £4.3 million in performance-related add-ons.
The 18-year-old Moroccan international gained considerable attention during his impressive performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Morocco advanced to the quarterfinals before succumbing to a 2-0 defeat against France. Bouaddi’s contributions on the field have not gone unnoticed, and his skill set has attracted interest from several top clubs across Europe.
This transfer is particularly significant for Manchester City as they look to rejuvenate their midfield following the departures of key players such as Rodri, Bernardo Silva, and Tijjani Reijnders. Bouaddi will join fellow midfielder Elliot Anderson, who was acquired earlier in the summer for a record £116 million from Nottingham Forest, further enhancing the team's strength in this crucial area of the pitch.
Bouaddi's track record in Ligue 1 is impressive; he has made 96 appearances since graduating from Lille's youth ranks, contributing four assists and playing a pivotal role in helping his team secure a third-place finish last season. His potential and performance make him a valuable addition to City’s squad as they prepare for the new season.
As reported by sabcsport.com.
