Ayyoub Bouaddi, the Moroccan midfielder, has set a new record as the most expensive teenager in Premier League history after securing a transfer to Manchester City from French club Lille. The five-year contract, confirmed by Lille on Wednesday, is valued at 100 million euros (£85.6 million, $117 million).
This transfer fee eclipses the previous record held by Leny Yoro, who moved to Manchester United from Lille earlier in 2024 for £58.9 million. Manchester City’s acquisition of Bouaddi comes amid notable squad changes, including the departures of Spain’s World Cup-winning captain Rodri to Barcelona and Tijjani Reijnders to Al-Qadsiah, with Nico Gonzalez also expected to leave the Etihad Stadium.
The 18-year-old midfielder’s impressive performances at the recent World Cup played a significant role in Morocco’s journey to the quarter-finals, where they were ultimately eliminated by France. Having broken into Lille’s first team at just 16, Bouaddi accumulated 96 appearances before his high-profile move to England.
Strengthening the Midfield
Bouaddi’s arrival at Manchester City complements the earlier signing of England’s Elliot Anderson, who joined from Nottingham Forest in June for £116 million ($154 million). Together, they form part of City’s renewed midfield lineup following the exit of key players.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Bouaddi shared on Manchester City’s official website, “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.”
He went on to highlight his admiration for the club’s style of play and his ambition: “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.”