Manchester City have agreed a deal worth up to £85 million with Lille for Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. The 18-year-old will sign a five-year contract at the Etihad with the option of a further 12 months.
The initial fee is £81.4 million, rising to £85 million over the course of Bouaddi's time at the club. The move takes City's summer spending beyond the £200 million mark.
World Cup form and Rodri replacement
Bouaddi impressed at this summer's World Cup, starting five of Morocco's six matches as they reached the quarter-finals. City's chairman, Khaldoon Al-Mubarak, has been impressed with how Bouaddi has stepped up on big occasions during his developing career.
City's interest in Bouaddi grew once it became clear that Rodri would leave to join Barcelona for £65 million. Senior figures at the club believe Bouaddi's composure and ability to compete against more experienced players make him an ideal fit for the team.
Early promise and Lille record
Before the World Cup, Bouaddi had a starring role in Lille's Champions League win over Real Madrid in 2024. He has made 88 appearances for Lille since his debut in October 2023, three days after turning 16, and helped them finish third in Ligue 1 last season.
He also broke a record held by Eden Hazard by making 50 Ligue 1 appearances for Lille at the age of 18. New City boss Enzo Maresca regards Bouaddi as the long-term replacement for Bernardo Silva, who joined Real Madrid at the end of last season.
City are still keen to sign a direct replacement for holding midfielder Rodri, but talks with Chelsea over a deal for Enzo Fernandez have continued to stall.
