Manchester City Signs Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for £85.6m

Manchester City has completed the acquisition of Ayyoub Bouaddi, an 18-year-old midfielder from Morocco, from Lille for a total of £85.6 million. The deal includes an upfront payment of £81.4 million, with an additional £4.2 million in performance-related add-ons, and is subject to international clearance.

Bouaddi, who has earned eight caps for Morocco, played a significant role in the recent World Cup, starting five matches as Morocco reached the quarter-finals. He has also been a key player for Lille, making 96 appearances since his debut in 2023 and contributing to the team's third-place finish in Ligue 1 last season.

His signing follows the departures of central midfielders Rodri and Tijjani Reinders from Manchester City. Bouaddi is expected to enhance City's midfield alongside new signing Elliot Anderson, who joined from Nottingham Forest. The club is also considering a bid for Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez, valued at £120 million.