Manchester City signs Ayyoub Bouaddi for record fee, making him Premier League's most expensive teen

Manchester City has secured the signing of highly-rated Moroccan international Ayyoub Bouaddi from French club Lille, a move that reportedly makes the 18-year-old the most expensive teenager in Premier League history. The English club announced the completion of the deal on Wednesday, with Bouaddi committing to a five-year contract that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2031.

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Manchester City are delighted to have completed the signing of Moroccan international Ayyoub Bouaddi.

Lille confirmed Bouaddi's transfer for a staggering fee of 100 million euros (approximately Rp1.9 trillion). This figure eclipses the previous record held by Leny Yoro, who also moved from Lille to Manchester United in 2024 for 58.9 million pounds. Bouaddi's arrival is seen as a strategic reinforcement for Manchester City's midfield, a position that has seen significant player movement after Enzo Maresca took over as manager from Pep Guardiola.

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This is a very special day for me and my family. Manchester City are, for me, the best Club in the world.

The club has seen several midfielders depart, including Rodri, who moved to Barcelona, and Tijjani Reijnders, who joined Al-Qadsiah. Rumors also suggest Nico Gonzalez might be heading to Newcastle United. Bouaddi's signing is part of a broader midfield overhaul under Maresca, who has prioritized strengthening this area of the squad.

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The squad is world-class and Enzo is a top manager. 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.

Bouaddi's impressive performances for Morocco during the 2026 World Cup, where he was a key player in their run to the quarterfinals, are believed to have been a major factor in the transfer. He has already made 96 appearances for Lille since breaking into their first team at the age of 16. "This is a very special day for me and my family. Manchester City are, for me, the best Club in the world," Bouaddi stated, expressing admiration for the club's style of play and his determination to contribute to winning trophies. He acknowledged he has "plenty of improving to do" but is eager to help the team challenge for every title.

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This Club demands trophies and I will give everything to make sure we are challenging for every title.