Manchester City sign Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for record £86m

Manchester City have completed the signing of teenage midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for a club-record £86m fee.

City will pay £81.3m up front, with a further £4.3m in potential add-ons, according to Sky Sports News.

The 18-year-old has signed a five-year contract that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2031.

Bouaddi becomes the most expensive teenage signing in Premier League history, overtaking Manchester United’s £58.9m deal for Lille defender Leny Yoro in 2024.

The France-born midfielder, who represents Morocco internationally, was one of the standout young players at this summer’s World Cup.

His arrival is part of City’s plans to reshape their midfield following the departures of Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Tijjani Reijnders.

“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’ve watched City for many years, and I love their style of play. City always try and play quality football. And they have shown they are winners – this club feels like it’s built to win.”

Bouaddi acknowledged that he still has plenty to learn despite the size of the transfer fee.

“I am only 18. I am happy with the progress I have made so far, but I also know I can improve so much. This is undoubtedly the best place for me to do that,” he added.

“This club demands trophies and I will give everything to make sure we are challenging for every title.”

City director of football Hugo Viana believes Bouaddi has the attributes to develop into a top midfielder.

“Ayyoub’s potential is extremely high – a player equipped with everything a top midfielder needs,” Viana said.

“At just 18, he already has outstanding football intelligence and that will only improve under the guidance of Enzo.

“We have watched him very closely and throughout that process we have become increasingly convinced he is a huge talent who will thrive at City.”

Bouaddi also indicated that he expects to operate primarily as a defensive midfielder, describing the importance of his role in maintaining the team’s balance.

“I would say I am a player who plays for the team. I am a really collective player,” he said.

“The most important aspect is to try to balance the team, help your team-mates.

“We know as a No 6 that you’re not going to score 20 goals in a season, well it can happen but it’s quite rare, so you know you have to balance the team and do everything for the team and do your job.”