Manchester City completed the signing of 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille on Wednesday [4].
The transfer marks a critical step in the club's rebuild following the 2025-26 season. Bouaddi is intended to serve as the long-term replacement for midfielder Rodri [1, 2].
Bouaddi joins the Premier League on a five-year contract [2]. The move establishes him as the most expensive teenage signing in the history of the league [4].
Reports on the final transfer fee vary. Yahoo Sports said the cost was £86 million [1], while MSN said the figure was $117 million [2].
The acquisition comes amid a period of significant midfield restructuring for the Manchester-based club. While Bouaddi provides a long-term prospect, the club has also faced speculation regarding other targets. Reports said Manchester City may still maintain interest in Enzo Fernández to further bolster the squad [1, 6].
Bouaddi's transition from Lille to the Etihad Stadium represents a high-stakes investment in youth. The club is prioritizing a transition in its core midfield to maintain its competitive standing in England and Europe [1, 3].
“most expensive teenage signing in Premier League history”
By spending a record sum on a teenager, Manchester City is shifting its recruitment strategy toward securing elite talent before their market value peaks. Replacing a cornerstone player like Rodri requires both immediate stability and future growth; the Bouaddi signing suggests the club is betting on a high-ceiling prospect to anchor their midfield for the next half-decade.
