Manchester City have signed Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for a reported £85.6 million, making the 18-year-old the most expensive teenager in Premier League history.
Lille confirmed on Wednesday that the transfer was worth €100 million (£85.6 million, $117 million), with Bouaddi signing a five-year contract with the English champions.
The fee surpasses the £58.9 million Manchester United paid Lille for defender Leny Yoro in 2024.
City moved for Bouaddi after the departure of Spain’s World Cup-winning captain Rodri to Barcelona and Tijjani Reijnders to Al-Qadsiah, while Nico Gonzalez is also expected to leave the club.
Bouaddi was one of Morocco’s standout players at the recent World Cup, helping the Atlas Lions reach the quarter-finals before they were eliminated by France.
He will join England midfielder Elliot Anderson, who arrived from Nottingham Forest for £116 million ($154 million) in June, as part of City’s revamped midfield.
Bouaddi made 96 appearances for Lille after breaking into the first team at just 16.
“This is a very special day for me and my family,” Bouaddi told City’s website.
“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.”
Bouaddi said he was aware he still had much to learn despite his progress at Lille.
“The squad is world class and Enzo (Maresca) is a top manager. I have plenty of improving to do, I am only 18,” he said.
“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.”
Maresca made central midfield a priority for new signings after replacing Pep Guardiola as City manager at the end of last season.
City’s director of football, Hugo Viana, said the club had closely monitored Bouaddi before deciding to sign him.
“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,” Viana said.
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez is also reportedly of interest to City. However, Chelsea’s deadline for bids for the £120 million-rated Argentine passed without an agreement.
City began their Premier League campaign with a 2-1 home victory over Bournemouth on Sunday, following a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield.
