The 18-year-old midfielder joins Pep Guardiola’s side on a five-year contract after making a strong impression at Lille and for Morocco.
Manchester City have officially completed the signing of highly rated French-born midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, strengthening Pep Guardiola’s midfield options ahead of the new season.
The Premier League champions confirmed that the 18-year-old has signed a five-year contract with the club. Manchester City did not disclose the transfer fee, although reports from international media suggest the deal could be worth approximately £86 million ($117 million).
Bouaddi described his move to Manchester City as the fulfilment of a long-standing ambition. The young midfielder said joining the Premier League champions represented a major step in his career and reflected years of hard work aimed at reaching the highest level of football.
The midfielder arrives at the Etihad Stadium after an impressive spell with Lille. He made 30 Ligue 1 appearances last season and established himself as one of the most promising young players in French football.
Bouaddi also holds a notable place in Lille’s history. He became the club’s youngest-ever first-team player when he made his senior debut in 2023 at just 16 years old, highlighting his rapid development.
Internationally, Bouaddi has also made significant progress. He made his senior debut for Morocco in May and subsequently earned a place in the country’s World Cup squad. He featured against Brazil during the tournament and started five of Morocco’s six matches as the team advanced to the quarter-finals.
His arrival adds further competition to Manchester City’s midfield following the reported £116 million ($158 million) acquisition of England international Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest last month.
City have also experienced several midfield departures during the transfer window, with Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Tijjani Reijnders among those leaving the club.
Bouaddi’s signing therefore provides Guardiola with another young and versatile midfield option while adding further depth to a squad undergoing significant changes.
Manchester City will now look to integrate the highly rated teenager into Guardiola’s system as the club continues to strengthen its squad for domestic and European competition.