Manchester City have reportedly reached an agreement with Lille for the signing of highly rated Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi in a deal worth €95 million (£81.4 million), with a further €5 million potentially payable in add-ons.
The transfer, which is expected to be officially completed in the coming days, will take City’s spending during the summer transfer window to almost £200 million.
The 18-year-old midfielder was reportedly left out of Lille’s Ligue 1 fixture against Angers on Sunday as he prepares to undergo his medical ahead of completing his move to the Premier League champions.
Bouaddi has emerged as one of European football’s most exciting young midfielders and is expected to provide Manchester City with another option in the middle of the pitch.
City Move Quickly for Bouaddi
Bouaddi, who primarily operates as a defensive midfielder, has already accumulated significant experience despite his young age.
The Morocco international started five of his country’s six matches at this summer’s World Cup, including their quarter-final clash against France, where Morocco were eventually eliminated following a 2-0 defeat.
His involvement in the tournament came after just eight senior international appearances, highlighting the rapid rise of the Lille academy graduate.
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Bouaddi first attracted widespread attention when he made his Lille debut in October 2023.
At just 16 years and three days, he became the youngest player to feature in the UEFA Europa Conference League, underlining his exceptional development at an unusually young age.
Rodri Sale Helps Fund City Move
Manchester City’s decision to spend heavily on Bouaddi comes shortly after the club sanctioned the departure of midfield maestro Rodri.
The Spain international completed a reported £65 million move to Barcelona last week, bringing an end to his spell at the Etihad Stadium.
Rodri had been one of the most important players in City’s recent success, helping the club dominate English football and playing a crucial role in their historic treble-winning campaign.
Bouaddi is not expected to be viewed as a direct replacement for Rodri immediately, given his age and relative lack of Premier League experience. However, City appear to see the teenager as a long-term investment who could eventually become a central figure in their midfield.
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Anderson Adds to City’s Midfield Options
The imminent arrival of Bouaddi follows City’s blockbuster signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for a reported £116 million.
Anderson is capable of operating both as a No. 6 and No. 8, giving manager Enzo Maresca additional tactical flexibility.
The England midfielder is expected to make his Manchester City debut in Sunday’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth.
With Anderson already competing for a place in midfield, Bouaddi may not immediately walk into City’s starting XI.
Instead, the teenager is likely to be gradually introduced to Premier League football while adapting to the demands of playing for one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
A Huge Investment in the Future
The reported €95 million transfer fee represents a massive investment in a player who has only recently turned 18.
However, City’s willingness to pay such a substantial amount demonstrates the club’s belief in Bouaddi’s potential.
His combination of youth, technical ability, defensive awareness and international experience has made him one of the most sought-after young midfielders in Europe.
For Manchester City, the deal could represent more than simply replacing an outgoing player. It could be the beginning of a new generation of midfield talent at the Etihad.
With Rodri now gone and Anderson and Bouaddi arriving, City appear to be reshaping the heart of their team for the years ahead.
If the deal is completed as expected, Ayyoub Bouaddi will become one of the most expensive teenagers in football history — and Manchester City will be hoping the Moroccan youngster can grow into one of the world’s elite midfielders.
