Manchester City has reached an agreement with Lille to sign 18-year-old Morocco international midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi for a total fee of £86 million (€100 million). The deal comprises a fixed payment of £81.3 million, along with an additional £4.3 million in performance-related add-ons.

Record-Breaking Transfer

This transfer is set to make Bouaddi the most expensive teenage signing in Premier League history, surpassing the previous record of £58.9 million that Manchester United paid Lille for Leny Yoro in 2024. The young midfielder's signing comes as City looks to rebuild its midfield following the departures of key players Rodri, Bernardo Silva, and Tijjani Reijnders.

Midfield Reinforcements

In preparation for their upcoming match against Bournemouth, City started Marc Guehi in the center of midfield. The club is also exploring other options to strengthen their midfield, with interest in Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez and Roma's Manu Kone amid speculation regarding Newcastle target Nico Gonzalez's future.

Bouaddi's arrival follows Manchester City's earlier record-breaking £116 million acquisition of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. Known for his versatility, Bouaddi can play both as a defensive midfielder and in a more advanced role, enhancing City's options in the midfield.