Manchester City Complete Record-Breaking £86m Signing of Midfield Prodigy Ayyoub Bouaddi
Manchester City have officially finalized the signing of Moroccan midfield sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille in a deal worth a staggering £86 million, marking a new milestone for the club.
The blockbuster transfer, which shatters the previous record for a teenage player in Premier League history—previously held by Leny Yoro following his £58.9m move to Manchester United in 2024—consists of a fixed fee of £81.3m, supplemented by £4.3m in performance-related add-ons. The 18-year-old has committed his future to the Etihad Stadium by penning a five-year contract that keeps him under contract until the summer of 2031.
A Strategic Midfield Overhaul
The arrival of Bouaddi arrives as Manchester City undergo a significant structural evolution. Following the high-profile departures of key figures Rodri, Bernardo Silva, and Tijjani Reijnders, the Premier League giants have moved aggressively to refresh their engine room.
Bouaddi, who captured global attention as one of the standout performers during this summer’s World Cup with Morocco, arrives in Manchester with high expectations. Speaking on his move to the reigning juggernauts of English football, the teenager was full of praise for his new surroundings.
“Manchester City are, for me, the best club in the world,” Bouaddi said. “I’ve watched City for many years, and I love their style of play. They are winners—this club feels like it’s built to win. I know I have plenty of improving to do, and I know this is the best place for me to reach the top.”
High Hopes at the Etihad
Manchester City’s director of football, Hugo Viana, echoed the optimism surrounding the move, citing the player’s rare blend of maturity and natural talent.
“Ayyoub’s potential is extremely high,” Viana stated. “At just 18, he already possesses outstanding football intelligence. We have watched him very closely, and we are convinced he is a huge talent who will thrive under the guidance of Enzo [Maresca].”
The player himself appears ready to embrace the defensive responsibilities often associated with the ‘number six’ role, suggesting he is comfortable filling the void left by his predecessors. “I am a collective player,” Bouaddi explained. “The most important aspect is to balance the team and help my team-mates. You know that as a No 6, you have to do your job for the team.”
Rising to the Challenge
Bouaddi’s ascent has been rapid. Scouts and managers alike have taken notice of his composure on the biggest stages, most notably during Morocco’s summer campaign, where his dominant performances—particularly in a high-stakes group-stage match against Brazil—solidified his status as one of football’s most promising prospects.
As Manchester City look to maintain their dominance, the club has made a clear statement of intent. By securing the record-breaking £86m deal for the teenager, City are not only looking to solve their immediate personnel needs but are also investing heavily in a foundation that could anchor their midfield for the next decade.
