Manchester City Signs Ayyoub Bouaddi for £85.6 Million

Manchester City has completed the signing of 18-year-old Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for a total fee of £85.6 million. The deal includes an upfront payment of £81.4 million, with an additional £4.2 million available through performance-related add-ons.

Bouaddi has signed a five-year contract with the Premier League champions, pending standard international clearance. He expressed his excitement about joining City, stating, “This is a very special day for me and my family.

Manchester City are, for me, the best club in the world.” Bouaddi, who made his senior debut for Lille in 2023 and accumulated 96 appearances, was noted for his impressive performance in Lille’s Champions League match against Real Madrid in 2024. His transfer comes as part of Manchester City's midfield reconstruction following the departures of Rodri to Barcelona and Tijjani Reijnders to Al-Qadsiah.

Bouaddi joins England international Elliot Anderson, who was signed earlier in the window for £116 million.