Manchester City Signs Lille Midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi in Record Deal
Manchester City Secures Long-Term Midfield Solution with Ayyoub Bouaddi
Manchester City have finalized a major transfer to bring Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for a fee of €100 million. At 18 years old, Bouaddi is seen as the long-term replacement for Rodri and will join the Etihad Stadium squad under a contract running until 2031, with an option for an extra year.
Filling the Gap Left by Rodri
The club moved swiftly after selling Rodri to Barcelona for €60 million this summer. According to The Athletic, the deal includes an initial €95 million payment plus €5 million in potential add-ons. Enzo Maresca confirmed that finding a player like Rodri was their top priority, and Bouaddi fits that role perfectly.
Record-Breaking Transfer for Lille
This transfer sets a new record for Lille, surpassing the previous highest sale of Nicolas Pepe to Arsenal for €80 million in 2019. Bouaddi’s departure came just before a match against Angers as the final details were settled. Having risen through Lille's academy, he became their youngest ever player at 16 years and three days old, debuting in a Conference League match in September 2023.
World Cup Performances Boost Reputation
Bouaddi made a name for himself during the 2026 World Cup, playing a key role for Morocco. He started five out of six matches as Morocco reached the quarterfinals. His ability to control the midfield was clear, especially in the 1-1 draw against Brazil where he had more touches than any other player on the pitch.
Previously representing France at youth levels up to Under-21, Bouaddi officially switched allegiance to Morocco in May. Since then, he has become essential to their national team setup.
Ready to Take on the Premier League
Despite his youth, Bouaddi brings valuable experience with 42 senior appearances last season, helping Lille finish third in Ligue 1 and qualify for the Champions League. As Manchester City undergoes a squad transformation, Bouaddi’s signing offers a solution to the defensive midfield challenge facing the club.
