Manchester City sign Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for record teenage fee

Manchester City have signed Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for £81.4m upfront, with a further £4.2m possible in add-ons, making the 18-year-old the most expensive teenager in Premier League history.

Bouaddi has agreed a five-year contract with City that will run until 2031.

The overall fee exceeds the £58.9m Manchester United paid Lille for defender Leny Yoro in 2024, setting a new benchmark for a teenage player moving to a Premier League club.

Bouaddi arrives at the Etihad Stadium after a breakthrough season for Lille and an impressive World Cup campaign with Morocco. He started five of his country’s six matches as they reached the quarter-finals.

The midfielder made his Lille debut at the age of 16 and leaves the French club having accumulated 96 senior appearances.

His move to Manchester City comes as manager Pep Guardiola reshapes a midfield that has undergone major changes. Rodri has joined Barcelona, while Tijjani Reijnders has moved to Al-Qadsiah. City have also strengthened in midfield with the signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.

Bouaddi is expected to play primarily as a number six, and says his ability to help the team function collectively will be an important part of his role.

“I am a really collective player. I try to put my team-mate in the best position and to give everything every time for the team,” he said.

The teenager described the move as a dream and said City’s approach to the game was a major attraction.

“Manchester City are, for me, the best club in the world. It’s a dream to be here and be able to call myself a City player,” Bouaddi said.

City director of football Hugo Viana believes Bouaddi has the attributes required to become an outstanding 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.”

Bouaddi’s arrival does not end City’s transfer activity, with the club still linked with Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez. Meanwhile, Savio has left City to join Tottenham.

The Morocco international is now looking ahead to his first appearance in English football and says playing in the Premier League has long been an ambition.

“I think the Premier League is the most attractive and most competitive championship in the world,” he said. “Every player dreams to play in the Premier League.”

The signing gives City another young, technically gifted option in the centre of the pitch as they continue to rebuild their midfield. Bouaddi’s experience at international level, despite his age, will also add to expectations surrounding his Premier League debut.