Manchester City have reached an agreement with French club Lille to sign Morocco international midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi in a deal that could be worth up to €100 million, in what would be one of the biggest transfers of the current window.
According to The Guardian and The Times, City will pay around €95 million as an initial fee, with a further €5 million potentially payable through bonuses and various contractual conditions.
Bouaddi, 18, has agreed to a five-year contract with an option to extend it by another year. However, the transfer is still subject to the completion of final formalities, including a medical and registration documents.
City Choose Bouaddi
Bouaddi's signing comes as Manchester City make significant changes to their midfield. The club have lost Rodri, who joined Barcelona, while also signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for a substantial fee.
Bouaddi is viewed as part of City's long-term plan to strengthen their midfield. Although he has often been described as Rodri's successor, reports indicate that City do not necessarily expect him to be a direct replacement for the Spaniard from day one, with Anderson expected to play a major role in that position.
Bouaddi, the Youngster Who Rose Early
Bouaddi made a name for himself at Lille after breaking into the first team at a very young age. He made his European competition debut at just 16 years and three days old, becoming one of the youngest players ever to feature in a European club competition.
His ability to operate as a defensive midfielder, combined with his reading of the game, has continued to attract interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs.
Impressed with Morocco at the World Cup
Bouaddi also attracted further attention after being part of Morocco's squad at the 2026 World Cup. He started five of Morocco's six matches at the tournament, with the team reaching the quarter-finals.
His performances further increased his market value and convinced the English champions to make a major investment in securing his signature.
New Record for a Young Player
If the deal is completed at the reported value, Bouaddi will go down in history as one of the most expensive young players ever to move to the Premier League. The Times reports that the fee could make him the most expensive teenager in Premier League history, surpassing the record set by Leny Yoro, who joined Manchester United for £59 million.
For Lille, the transfer represents a major financial return on a player developed through their academy. For Manchester City, it is a long-term investment in the next generation of their midfield.
Bouaddi is now expected to undergo a medical before being officially unveiled as a new Manchester City player.
