Manchester City secure long-term deal for teenage Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi

Manchester City have completed the signing of Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, with the 18-year-old midfielder agreeing a five-year contract that will keep him at the Etihad until 2031.

Bouaddi arrives in Manchester after establishing himself as one of the most highly regarded young players in world football. The deal formally brings to an end his time with Lille, where he made 96 appearances before making the move to the Premier League club.

The teenager has also already represented Morocco at senior international level on eight occasions. His arrival at City therefore combines considerable experience of first-team football with the potential associated with a player still only 18.

Bouaddi’s progress at Lille began at an unusually early age. He made his senior debut for the Ligue 1 club just three days after his 16th birthday, featuring in both Ligue 1 and the UEFA Conference League during the early stages of his first-team career.

Rather than remaining a short-term involvement, that introduction developed into a regular role. Across the following two seasons, Bouaddi became a consistent starter for Lille, adding to his total of 96 appearances and strengthening his reputation as one of the leading young midfielders in the game.

Manchester City’s agreement gives the player a long-term stay at the club, with his five-year contract running through to 2031. The length of the deal underlines the commitment attached to the transfer and provides a clear timeframe for Bouaddi’s development in England.

His career to date has been marked by a rapid rise from youth football into senior competition. Debuting for Lille shortly after turning 16, he went on to compete in domestic Ligue 1 matches and in the UEFA Conference League before becoming an established starter over the next two campaigns.

That sequence has also been followed by progress at international level. Bouaddi has earned eight caps for Morocco, adding senior international recognition to his club experience with Lille.

City have now finalised the move for a player whose first-team career began earlier than most and whose standing continued to grow during his time in France. Bouaddi’s contract at the Etihad will run until 2031, with the midfielder joining Manchester City after 96 appearances for Lille and eight international selections for Morocco.