Manchester City have completed the signing of Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for a fee reported to be £81.4m, with an additional £4.2m in add-ons, or €95m plus €5m. The 18-year-old midfielder has agreed to a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium. Bouaddi’s arrival makes him the most expensive teenage signing in Premier League history.
Bouaddi’s transfer is part of Manchester City‘s ongoing midfield rebuild, following the departures of Rodri, Bernardo Silva, and Tijjani Reijnders. The club has also added Elliott Anderson, a £116m acquisition from Nottingham Forest. City are also expected to make an offer for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who is valued by his current club at £120m.
Bouaddi’s Career and Potential
Ayyoub Bouaddi has quickly risen through the ranks, becoming Lille‘s youngest player when he debuted against KÍ Klaksvík in October 2023, just three days after his 16th birthday. He went on to make 96 appearances for the Ligue 1 side. His performances include helping Lille defeat Real Madrid in the Champions League on his 17th birthday and breaking a record previously held by Eden Hazard by making 50 Ligue 1 appearances at the age of 18.
The Morocco international has already made eight senior appearances for his national team, notably delivering an outstanding midfield display against Brazil at this summer’s World Cup. Manchester City‘s director of football, Hugo Viana, highlighted Bouaddi’s “extremely high” potential, noting his “outstanding football intelligence” at just 18 years old. Viana believes Bouaddi will further improve under the guidance of City manager Enzo Maresca.
Former Lille teammate Olivier Giroud has praised Bouaddi’s willingness to accept advice, describing him as a “proper box-to-box player” who still needs to refine aspects of his game, such as his finishing. French football journalist Djibril Diop commented on Bouaddi’s ability to progress with the ball and beat opponents, suggesting his maturity extends beyond his years. Diop also noted Bouaddi’s press-resistant style, which makes him suitable for various leagues, including the Premier League.
Beyond football, Bouaddi has been studying for a mathematics degree and previously won an oratory competition after delivering a speech at the Elysee Palace. His former coach, Sofiane Khair, recalled Bouaddi’s disciplined approach from a young age, noting his preference for reading books and doing homework over video games, and his avoidance of fast food.
Other Transfer Movements
In other transfer news, Manchester City have agreed a £52m deal to sell Nico Gonzalez to Newcastle. Additionally, Omar Marmoush is set to join Tottenham on a loan deal with an obligation to buy for an initial £50m, with up to £10m in add-ons. Marmoush is expected to undergo a medical at Spurs and will sign a four-year contract with a one-year option next summer.
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has been keen to strengthen his attacking options, and Marmoush, along with Sávio, are seen as significant additions. City have also agreed a £34m fee for Palmeiras‘ Allan Elias, who is expected to replace Sávio as a wide forward. Crystal Palace have confirmed the season-long loan signing of Axel Disasi from Chelsea, after defender Chadi Riad was stretchered off during a recent match against Everton. Nottingham Forest have agreed a £50m fee with Chelsea for Liam Delap, a year after Delap moved to Stamford Bridge from Ipswich for £30m.
Meanwhile, talks are ongoing between Liverpool and Paris St-Germain regarding a potential transfer for Bradley Barcola. PSG is reportedly seeking £135m for the French winger, while Liverpool is aiming for a deal closer to the £100m mark.
Source: bbc.co.uk