Ayyoub Bouaddi has completed his move from Lille to Manchester City.
The 18-year-old arrives at the Etihad Stadium for a fee of €100 million (£85.6m / $117m). City will pay an initial €95m with another €5m due in potential bonuses. He has signed a five-year deal until 2031.
The Morocco international becomes the most expensive Premier League teenager, eclipsing Leny Yoro‘s €70m move from Lille to Manchester United in 2024.
He’s City’s second major midfield signing of the summer after Elliot Anderson‘s arrival from Nottingham Forest.
“Manchester City are, for me, the best club in the world,” Bouaddi said.
“It’s a dream to be here and be able to call myself a City player. I have spent most of my life working hard to become the best player I can be and reach the top of the game.
“I’ve watched City for many years, and I love their style of play. City always try to play quality football. And they have shown they are winners. This club feels like it’s built to win.”
Bouaddi’s arrival strengthens a City midfield that lost Rodri to Barcelona earlier this summer. New manager Enzo Maresca deployed centre-back Marc Guéhi in the middle of the pitch for their Premier League opener against Bournemouth.
The 19-year-old started five of Morocco’s six games at the World Cup this summer, and was especially impressive in the 1-1 draw against Brazil in their tournament opener.
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“I grew up with Manchester City under Guardiola – when he arrived and what he did was just amazing,” Bouaddi said.
“But then we know that City is one of the greatest clubs in the world with the best players, best team, the campus. Everything is done to perform here and do the best.
“I think the Premier League is the most attractive and most competitive championship in the world. The best championship in the world.
“So every player dreams to play in the Premier League and I hope I am going to play in the Premier League very soon, as soon as possible.”
Despite Bouaadi’s arrival, City remain linked with a move for Chelsea‘s Enzo Fernández to further shore up their midfield.
The club have had a busy end to the transfer window, with Savio being sold to Tottenham and Omar Marmoush expected to join him in north London.
