By Ihuoma Inyama

Manchester City have completed the signing of Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille in a deal worth £85.6 million, making the 18-year-old the most expensive teenager in Premier League history.

Bouaddi has signed a five-year contract with City, subject to international clearance. The agreement includes an initial payment of £81.4 million, with a further £4.2 million available in add-ons.

The midfielder’s arrival comes as City reshape their options in the centre of the pitch following the departures of Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders.

Rodri joined Barcelona in a £65 million deal, while Reijnders moved to Al-Qadsiah for £52 million, prompting City to strengthen their midfield.

Bouaddi joins City after establishing himself as an important player for Lille. He made 96 appearances for the French club following his senior debut in 2023 and helped them finish third in Ligue 1 last season.

His development has been rapid. At 16, Bouaddi became Lille’s youngest-ever player when he made his senior debut against Faroese club KI in the Europa League.

He subsequently attracted wider attention with his performance in Lille’s Champions League victory over Real Madrid in 2024.

Bouaddi also played a significant role for Morocco at this summer’s World Cup, starting five of the country’s six matches as they reached the quarter-finals.

Speaking after completing his move, Bouaddi expressed his excitement at joining City.

“This is a very special day for me and my family. 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,” he said.

“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 becomes Premier League’s most expensive teenager

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The £85.6 million deal moves Bouaddi above Manchester United’s £58.9 million signing of French defender Leny Yoro from Lille in 2024 as the most expensive teenager in Premier League history.

Bouaddi is expected to form part of a revamped Manchester City midfield alongside England international Elliot Anderson, who joined the club from Nottingham Forest for £116 million.

The Morocco international operates as a deep-lying midfielder, while Anderson can play as a box-to-box midfielder and has also featured as a number six for England.

City’s midfield recruitment could continue, with the club set to make an offer for Chelsea’s Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez. The 25-year-old is valued at £120 million, although it remains uncertain whether an agreement can be reached.

Bouaddi’s arrival is part of a busy period of movement around City’s squad.

Brazilian winger Savinho, who is now known as Savio, joined Tottenham in a £75 million deal earlier this week. Tottenham have also agreed a loan deal for City’s Egypt forward Omar Marmoush.

Meanwhile, Spain midfielder Nico Gonzalez is set to leave City for Newcastle in a £52 million deal.

With Bouaddi now secured on a long-term contract, Manchester City have added another highly regarded midfielder to a squad undergoing significant changes.