Manchester City have completed the £85million signing of Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille. The 18-year-old midfielder has signed a five-year deal at the Etihad and could make his Blues debut this weekend.
Tracking and World Cup impact
City have tracked Bouaddi this summer, with the teenager impressing in France and then cementing his reputation with a key role for Morocco in the World Cup this summer.
Bouaddi is the second major midfield arrival at the Etihad following the £116m club-record capture of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, with Enzo Maresca's side still keen on Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
Midfield regeneration
Bouaddi will form part of a midfield regeneration at City alongside Anderson following the departures of Bernardo Silva and Rodri.
Upon signing, the teenager said: “This is a very special day for me and my family. Manchester City are, for me, the best club in the world. It’s a dream to be here and be able to call myself a City player. I have spent most of my life working hard to become the best player I can be and reach the top of the game. I’ve watched City for many years, and I love their style of play. City always try and play quality football. And they have shown they are winners – this club feels like it’s built to win. The squad is world-class and Enzo is a top manager. And I’m really looking forward to playing at the Etihad Stadium, in front of all the fans. I have plenty of improving to do. I am only 18. I am happy with the progress I have made so far, but I also know I can improve so much. This is undoubtedly the best place for me to do that. This club demands trophies and I will give everything to make sure we are challenging for every title.”
City chief's verdict
City chief Hugo Viana added: “Ayyoub’s potential is extremely high - a player equipped with everything a top midfielder needs. At just 18, he already has outstanding football intelligence and that will only improve under the guidance of Enzo. We have watched him very, very closely and throughout that process we have become increasingly convinced he is a huge talent who will thrive at City. We are really happy he has joined us and our job now is to ensure we provide him with everything he needs to fulfil his potential.”
