In a significant move within the football transfer market, Manchester City has successfully secured the signing of 18-year-old midfielder Bouaddi, who left a remarkable impression during his participation with Morocco in the 2026 World Cup. Bouaddi, who showcased his talent in 30 matches for Lille in Ligue 1 last season, has attracted considerable attention from several Premier League clubs during the summer transfer window, particularly from Arsenal and Liverpool, both of whom expressed interest in this promising defensive midfielder.
Ultimately, it was Manchester City that triumphed in the competitive race for Bouaddi, reaching an agreement for a transfer fee totaling €100 million (approximately £85.3 million). The deal includes an upfront payment of £81 million, with additional clauses potentially increasing the final sum by around £4.3 million. It is anticipated that Bouaddi will sign a five-year contract with the City team, which will include an option to extend for an additional year, signaling a long-term commitment from the club.
This transfer comes on the heels of several key departures from Manchester City’s midfield. Notably, 2026 World Cup champion Rodri has left the Etihad Stadium, transferring to FC Barcelona for a fee of £65 million. Additionally, Tijjani Reijnders has also exited, moving to Al Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia just a year after joining AC Milan for a transfer fee of £50 million. With these changes, Bouaddi is expected to join his new teammates and potentially make his debut in the upcoming away match against Crystal Palace.
Despite being only 18 years old, Bouaddi has already experienced the pressure of high-stakes matches, having started in the quarterfinal clash between Morocco and France during the World Cup. His impressive performance at such a young age bodes well for his future at Manchester City as he steps into a pivotal role in their midfield.
As reported by vietnam.vn.
