Omotayo Fashola
(Ayyoub Bouaddi. Photo Credit: Transfer News Central)
Manchester City have secured a major coup with the signing of rising Moroccan talent Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille.
The highly-rated 18-year-old midfielder arrives in a blockbuster deal worth €95 million upfront, with performance-related bonuses potentially adding another €5 million to the transfer fee.
Bouaddi has committed his future to the Premier League champions until 2031 and will don the number 32 jersey.
“Wearing the sky-blue jersey is everything I’ve dreamed of,” Bouaddi told club media. “Manchester City represent football at its finest – their attacking philosophy and relentless pursuit of silverware makes them the ultimate destination for any ambitious player.”
The teenager emphasized his eagerness to develop under Pep Guardiola’s guidance, recognizing the opportunity to refine his game alongside world-class talent.
City moved swiftly to secure Bouaddi’s signature following Rodri’s unexpected departure to Barcelona, identifying the young Moroccan as the ideal successor in midfield.
Bouaddi announced himself on the global stage during Morocco’s memorable 2026 World Cup campaign, starting five matches as the Atlas Lions reached the quarterfinals.
Standing at 6ft 1in, the midfield prodigy combines physical presence with exceptional technical ability. His 1.2 successful dribbles per game ranked among Europe’s elite defensive midfielders last season.
Scouting reports highlight Bouaddi’s unique blend of attributes: the spatial awareness to dictate play, the vision to break lines with penetrative passes, and the defensive instincts to disrupt opposition attacks.
His performances for Lille showcased a complete midfield package – equally comfortable launching counterattacks with powerful surges or maintaining possession under pressure.
