Manchester City have signed midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille in a £85.6m deal to make the Morocco international the Premier League’s most expensive teenager.
The 18-year-old joins on a five-year contract, subject to international clearance, with City paying £81.4m upfront plus £4.2m in add-ons.
Enzo Maresca’s side moved to sign Bouaddi after selling central midfielders Rodri to Barcelona in a £65m deal and Tijjani Reinders to Al-Qadsiah for £52m.
He impressed at this summer’s World Cup – starting five of Morocco’s six matches in their run to the quarter-finals – after becoming a key member of Lille’s side in Ligue 1.
“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,” said Bouaddi.
“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 fee for Bouaddi surpasses the £58.9m paid by Manchester United to sign French defender Leny Yoro, also from Lille, in 2024.
Bouaddi made 96 appearances for Lille after making his debut in 2023, helping them finish third in Ligue 1 last season.
At the age of 16 he became the youngest footballer to ever play for the French side on his senior debut against Faroese club KI in the Europa League, before announcing himself on the world stage by playing a starring role in Lille’s Champions League victory over Real Madrid in 2024.
Bouaddi will form part of a revamped midfield, with City already bringing in England midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116m.
Bouaddi functions as a deep-lying conductor and would complement Anderson, who is comfortable as a box-to-box midfielder as well as the number six role he plays for England.
City are also set to make an offer for Chelsea’s Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez but it remains to be seen whether a deal can be struck with the 25-year-old valued at £120m.
Bouaddi’s signing comes after Brazilian winger Savinho, now known as Savio, joined Tottenham in a £75m deal earlier this week.
Spurs have also agreed a loan deal to sign City’s Egypt forward Omar Marmoush, while Spain midfielder Nico Gonzalez is set to leave Maresca’s side to join Newcastle in a £52m deal.