Ayyoub Bouaddi completes Manchester City move in record €100m transfer

Manchester City have signed 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi from LOSC for €100m, making the move the most expensive sale in the history of the French league to a club abroad.

The Morocco international has agreed a five-year contract with the Premier League club, with Manchester City holding an option to extend the deal by a further season. He is expected to develop into a successor to Rodri in the Manchester City squad.

Bouaddi’s transfer brings an end to his time at LOSC, where he came through the club’s academy and established himself as one of the most highly rated young players in European football.

He first attracted widespread attention after making his professional debut in late 2023. At 16 years and three days, he became the youngest player to appear in a European competition. A few days later, he set another landmark by becoming the youngest player to feature in Ligue 1 during the 21st century.

The teenager made 96 appearances for his boyhood club, including 42 matches during the most recent season. His progress continued on the international stage when he impressed at the 2026 World Cup, performances which ultimately persuaded Manchester City’s recruitment team to complete the substantial deal.

Bouaddi was valued at €80m by Transfermarkt before the transfer. His annual salary at LOSC was reported as €1,090,000, equivalent to 708,500,000 FCFA.

The move represents a significant financial return for LOSC and sets a new benchmark for a transfer from the French top flight to a club outside France. It also gives Manchester City one of the most promising young midfielders in the game as they plan for the future of their squad.

Manchester City’s next fixture is a second-round Premier League match against Crystal Palace. The betting company 1xbet listed Manchester City as favourites, with odds of 1.60 for a home win, 4.00 for a draw and 5.00 for a Crystal Palace victory.