In a groundbreaking move, Manchester City has officially signed the young Moroccan talent Ayyoub Bouaddi from OSC Lille for a staggering fee of approximately €100 million. The news was announced on Wednesday, marking a significant addition to the Premier League giants’ roster. Bouaddi, who recently showcased his remarkable skills on the world stage during the FIFA World Cup, where he helped Morocco reach the quarter-finals, has signed a contract that will keep him at the club until 2031.
Manchester City has hailed Bouaddi as one of the most exciting young prospects in world football. The 18-year-old expressed his enthusiasm for joining the club, describing it as the "best team in the world" and highlighting the allure of playing in the English Premier League. "I have been following City for many years and love their style of play," Bouaddi stated. He acknowledged his youth, saying, "I am only 18 and am pleased with my progress so far, but I know there is still a long way to go. This is undoubtedly the best place to develop my skills further."
Bouaddi made his professional debut shortly after his 16th birthday in Lille and quickly became a regular starter in the team. Born in France, his performance in the summer World Cup was commendable, as he played a pivotal role in five of Morocco's six matches, helping the team achieve a historic quarter-final finish.
His final appearance for Lille came during a friendly match against Hamburger SV, which ended in a 2-2 draw on August 8 at the Volksparkstadion. This transfer marks Manchester City's second high-profile acquisition this summer, following their earlier signing of English international Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for €135 million. As City embarks on a rebuilding phase under new manager Enzo Maresca after the departure of key players such as Rodri and former coach Pep Guardiola, Bouaddi’s addition is seen as a crucial step towards maintaining their competitive edge.
Moreover, there are reports of Manchester City also showing interest in Chelsea's midfielder Enzo Fernández, valued at €140 million. However, a recent deadline for offers set by Chelsea passed without any transfer taking place, leaving fans curious about the club's next move.
As reported by mopo.de.
