Manchester City Signs Young Moroccan Star Ayoub Buadi
In a significant move to bolster their squad for the future, Manchester City has successfully signed 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder Ayoub Buadi, as announced on their official website on August 26, 2026. The young talent, previously with French club LOSC Lille, has inked a five-year contract that will keep him at the club until 2031, pending international transfer clearance. Buadi becomes the fourth addition to Manchester City's roster this summer, following the arrivals of Elliot Anderson, Jeremy Monga, and Geronimo Rulli. He has chosen the number 32 shirt, a number that holds historical significance at the club, previously worn by the legendary Carlos Tevez, who made a remarkable impact during his four seasons with City.
Buadi's Impressive Track Record and Future Aspirations
Despite his young age, Buadi has already made a name for himself, having played 96 official matches for Lille's first team and earning eight caps for the Moroccan national team. He showcased his potential on the world stage during the 2026 World Cup, where he played a pivotal role in Morocco's midfield. Buadi's professional journey began impressively when he debuted in the UEFA Europa Conference League just three days after turning 16, quickly establishing himself as a key player for Lille. Over the past three seasons, he significantly increased his match participation, culminating in 42 appearances last season, helping Lille secure a third-place finish in the league and a return to the UEFA Champions League.
Upon confirming his move to Manchester City, Buadi expressed his excitement, calling it a special day for him and his family. He regards City as the best club in the world, and he feels honored to don the City colors. Buadi emphasized his dedication to becoming the best player he can be, having closely followed City's playing style for many years. He praised the club’s commitment to high-quality football and their success-driven culture, stating, "This club demands trophies. I will give everything I have so City can challenge for titles in every competition." His anticipation extends to working under manager Enzo Maresca, whom he believes will help him grow further as a player.
City's football director, Ugo Viana, highlighted Buadi's immense potential, noting his impressive football intelligence and ball-handling skills despite his youth. Viana expressed confidence that under the guidance of Maresca, Buadi will continue to develop and realize his full potential. Buadi's performance during the World Cup, particularly in the group stage against Brazil where he dominated possession and showcased remarkable passing accuracy, further solidified his status as a rising star in international football. As he embarks on this new chapter with Manchester City, Buadi is determined to elevate his game and contribute significantly to the club's ambitions.
As reported by biz.chosun.com.
