Record-Breaking Teenage Transfer
Manchester City Complete Record £86 Million Transfer for Teenage Midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi
Key Points
The Bouaddi deal breaks the Premier League's teenage-transfer record, with a fixed £81.3m fee plus £4.3m in add-ons (about €100m total), surpassing the previous teenage signing record of £58.9m set by Leny Yoro in 2024.
Bouaddi's World Cup breakout for Morocco included a standout performance in their opening draw with Brazil; he joined Lille at 13 and played for France's age-group teams before switching allegiance to Morocco.
Bouaddi's Lille manager Davide Ancelotti praised him, saying he is 'a very good player' with a 'huge personality,' noting his maturity and predicting he could be 'one of the best midfielders in Europe for the next 10 years.'
City's midfield overhaul has Maresca prioritizing central midfield; Enzo Maresca's arrival coincides with plans to drastically reconfigure City's midfield after departures this window.
Bouaddi is set to travel to England to complete a medical ahead of finalising his switch to Manchester City, with medicals expected in the coming days.
Manchester City have agreed to sign 18-year-old Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi for £86 million, making him one of the most expensive teenage transfers ever AOL. The deal includes a fixed fee of around £81.3 million plus £4.3 million in add-ons, breaking the Premier League's teenage-transfer record previously held by Leny Yoro at £58.9 million UK Headtopics. Bouaddi will sign a long-term contract through 2031 as Manchester City overhauls its midfield following the departures of Rodri and other key players this summer.
The Moroccan midfielder starred at the World Cup and caught City's attention with standout performances, including a notable display in Morocco's opening match against Brazil Hespress. City boss Enzo Maresca is prioritizing central midfield reinforcements as the club rebuilds its squad. Bouaddi is set to complete a medical in England in the coming days before the deal is officially finalized.
From Lille Prospect to Record-Breaking Teen Signing
Bouaddi joined Lille at age 13 and developed into one of Europe's most promising young midfielders UK Headtopics. The 18-year-old played for France's youth teams before switching his international allegiance to Morocco. His World Cup breakout elevated him into the sights of Europe's elite clubs and triggered City's aggressive pursuit this summer.
Lille manager Davide Ancelotti praised Bouaddi's maturity and potential, saying he is 'a very good player' with a 'huge personality' SG Headtopics. Ancelotti predicted Bouaddi could become 'one of the best midfielders in Europe for the next 10 years.' The teenager can operate as a defensive midfielder or central midfielder, giving City tactical flexibility in how they rebuild their midfield spine.
City's Midfield Crisis Spurs Record Investment
Manchester City faced a central-midfield vacuum after Rodri departed for Barcelona and Tijjani Reijnders left the squad AOL. The club had already brought in Elliot Anderson earlier in the transfer window but needed additional reinforcement. Bouaddi's versatility—able to win the ball and progress play—directly addresses City's need for a long-term replacement at the heart of midfield.
The Bouaddi signing reflects City's broader summer strategy of investing heavily in young talent UK Headtopics. Manager Enzo Maresca has prioritized reshaping central midfield after significant departures. The club is also reportedly considering other senior midfield targets like Enzo Fernandez and Manu Kone to further bolster depth before the window closes.
Final Paperwork Expected to Wrap This Week
Bouaddi will travel to Manchester in the coming days to undergo his medical examination UK Headtopics. Once he passes the medical, he will finalize his five-year contract. City expect all formalities to be completed swiftly, allowing the teenager to integrate into the squad before the window deadline.
The signing caps an aggressive reshaping of City's squad this summer Hespress. Beyond Bouaddi, the club continues monitoring other targets and is fielding interest in midfielder Nico Gonzalez from Newcastle. The spending demonstrates City's commitment to rebuilding a team capable of competing at the highest level after recent departures of key players.
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