Manchester City Secures Lille Midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi in Record Transfer

Manchester City Signs Lille's Moroccan Midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi

Manchester City has completed a major transfer by agreeing to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for a fee of €100 million. The 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder is set to join the Etihad Stadium as the long-term replacement for Rodri.

Securing a Key Midfield Talent

The club moved quickly to fill the gap left after selling Rodri to Barcelona for €60 million. The deal includes an initial payment of €95 million, with up to €5 million in add-ons. Bouaddi signed a contract extending until summer 2031, with an option for the club to extend by one more year.

Breaking Records in Ligue 1 Transfers

This transfer sets a new record for Lille, surpassing the previous highest sale of Nicolas Pepe to Arsenal for €80 million in 2019. Bouaddi, who was left out of Lille’s squad for their match against Angers to complete the deal, had already made history as Lille’s youngest-ever player when he debuted at 16 years and three days old during a Conference League game in September 2023.

World Cup Performance Boosts Reputation

Bouaddi’s profile rose sharply after his performances in the 2026 World Cup. He was a key figure in Morocco’s midfield, starting five of six games as the Atlas Lions reached the quarterfinals. His composure and tactical awareness stood out, particularly in the match against Brazil where he controlled the tempo and recorded the highest number of touches on the field.

"The priority was to find a new Rodri to solve our midfield problem," said Enzo Maresca, highlighting the importance of this signing.

Switching National Allegiance

Earlier representing France at youth levels up to Under-21, Bouaddi officially switched to represent Morocco in May 2026. This decision quickly paid off as he became a vital part of the Moroccan national team’s midfield setup.

Ready to Tackle the Premier League

Despite his youth, Bouaddi has gained considerable experience over three seasons at senior level, making 42 appearances last season. His efforts helped Lille secure third place in Ligue 1 and qualification for the Champions League.

As Manchester City looks to rebuild with fresh talent, Bouaddi’s arrival signals a clear plan to bring in top young players. He joins a squad undergoing significant changes and is expected to address the club’s defensive midfield needs effectively.