Manchester City complete deal for rising Morocco midfielder Ayoub Bouaddi

Manchester City have completed the signing of Morocco midfielder Ayoub Bouaddi from French club Lille on a five-year contract, with the 18-year-old committed to the Premier League side until 2031.

The deal was confirmed by Manchester City on Wednesday after the necessary transfer procedures were completed and international clearance was obtained. Bouaddi will wear the number 32 shirt, the same number he used during his time with Lille.

Bouaddi arrives in England regarded as one of the most promising young players in world football. He made 96 appearances for Lille and has also won eight international caps for Morocco.

He made his Lille first-team debut in the Europa Conference League just three days after turning 16. The midfielder gradually established himself in the French side’s midfield and became an important member of the team.

“The future doesn’t wait its turn,” Manchester City posted alongside an announcement of the transfer.

Bouaddi said joining City was a significant moment for both himself and his family.

“It’s a very special day for me and my family,” he said.

“Manchester City is the best club in the world for me. It is a dream to be here and to be able to call myself a Manchester City player.”

He added: “I have watched City for many years and I love the way they play. The club always tries to play high-quality football and has proved it is a team that knows how to win. This club seems like it was built to achieve victories.”

The Morocco international said he was eager to work with manager Enzo Maresca and play in front of City supporters at the Etihad Stadium.

“The team has world-class players, and Enzo is a great coach. I am really looking forward to playing at the Etihad Stadium in front of all the fans,” Bouaddi said.

The teenager also stressed that he still had considerable room for improvement.

“I still have a lot to develop because I am only 18 years old. I am happy with the progress I have made so far, but I know I can improve a lot, and there is no better place for me to do that,” he said.

“This club demands trophies, and I will give everything I have to make sure we compete for every title.”

Manchester City sporting director Hugo Viana praised Bouaddi’s ability and potential.

“Ayoub’s potential is absolutely huge. He is a player with everything a top-level midfielder needs,” Viana said.

“Although he is only 18, he already has exceptional football intelligence, and he will continue to develop under Enzo Maresca.”

Viana added: “We followed him extremely closely and, over time, became increasingly convinced that he is a huge talent who will shine at Manchester City.”

Bouaddi enhanced his reputation with Morocco at the most recent World Cup, where he played as a defensive midfielder and attracted attention for his composure and ability to control the tempo of matches.

In Morocco’s meeting with Brazil, the African side had almost 70% possession during the first half. Bouaddi completed 91% of his passes, found a team-mate with all 16 of his passes in the attacking third, recovered possession six times, made five interceptions and won nine duels.

He helped Morocco reach the World Cup quarter-finals, where they were eliminated by France.

Bouaddi becomes Manchester City’s fourth signing of the summer transfer window, following the arrivals of Elliot Anderson, Jeremy Monga and Geronimo Rulli.

He will now look to continue his development at City and raise his level under the club’s coaching staff as he begins a new chapter in his professional career.