Ayyoub Bouaddi transfer: Manchester City complete record-breaking £86m deal to sign 18-year-old Morocco midfielder

Manchester City have completed the signing of midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi in a record-breaking £86m move from Lille.

Sky Sports News understands City are paying a fixed fee of £81.3m plus £4.3m in add-ons. Bouaddi has signed a five-year contract, keeping him at City until the summer of 2031.

The 18-year-old becomes the most expensive teenage signing in Premier League history, surpassing the £58.9m Manchester United committed to paying Lille for Leny Yoro in 2024.

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Lille have secured the fee they were holding out for in negotiations for Bouaddi, who was one of the breakout stars of this summer's World Cup with Morocco.

City are working to rebuild their midfield after the departures of Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Tijjani Reijnders.

"Manchester City are, for me, the best club in the world," said Bouaddi. "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.

"The squad is world-class and Enzo [Maresca] is a top manager. And I'm really looking forward to playing at the Etihad Stadium, in front of all the fans.

"I have plenty of improving to do. I am only 18. 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."

Manchester City director of football Hugo Viana said: "Ayyoub's potential is extremely high - a player equipped with everything a top midfielder needs.

"At just 18, he already has outstanding football intelligence and that will only improve under the guidance of Enzo.

"We have watched him very closely and throughout that process we have become increasingly convinced he is a huge talent who will thrive at City.

"We are really happy he has joined us and our job now is to ensure we provide him with everything he needs to fulfil his potential."

What position will Bouaddi play at City?

Bouaddi revealed the role he is set to play at City - hinting that he's going to play as a defensive midfielder.

"I would say I am a player who plays for the team," Bouaddi says. "I am a really collective player. I try to put my team-mate in the best position and to give everything every time for the team.

"The most important aspect is to try to balance the team, help your team-mates.

"We know as a No 6 that you're not going to score 20 goals in a season, well it can happen but it's quite rare, so you know you have to balance the team and do everything for the team and do your job."

Rodri's heir? Why Man City have spent big on Bouaddi

Those who followed Morocco's recent World Cup campaign will recognise the name Ayyoub Bouaddi. Perhaps those who only took a passing glance will remember him, too. He tends to stand out.

Aside from his throwback curly mop of hair, the way he dominated the big stage with effortless grace over the summer got people talking. The midfielder excelled in his fledgling role at his first major international tournament, particularly noticeable in a group-stage bout with Brazil.

But this was not the first time Carlo Ancelotti found himself ruminating over an opposition player who was "better in the duels" than his own.

Ancelotti's Brazilian midfield was composed of the experienced Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes, and yet somehow it was Bouaddi that beamed brightest. It struck a familiar chord...

• Read Laura Hunter's full article on Ayyoub Bouaddi

(c) Sky Sports 2026: Ayyoub Bouaddi transfer: Manchester City complete record-breaking £86m deal to sign 18-year-old Morocco midfielder