Morocco’s Bouaddi To Become Most-Expensive EPL Teenager In Manchester City Move

Morocco youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi is set to become a Manchester City player following the club’s transfer fee agreement with Lille in the French Ligue.

The 18-year-old central midfielder is expected to complete a deal worth a total package of £86 million.

Lille are set to receive £81.3 million fixed fee, with rest as add-ons.

Bouaddi will become the most expensive youngster in the English Premier League, his fee surpassing the £58.9 million paid for Leny Yoro by Manchester United in 2024.

The youngster was one of the breakout stars of the 2026 FIFA World Cup where he dominated Brazil and was a permanent feature as Morocco reached the quarter-final where it lost to France.

He will become Man City’s sixth signing this summer, and only the second high-profile transfer for the Etihad-backed club as they begin life after coach Pep Guardiola who left the club in June.

Bouaddi’s signing comes following the departure of midfielders Rodri to Barcelona, Bernardo Silva to Real Madrid, and Tijjani Reijnders to Al-Quadsiah in Saudi Arabia.

Bouaddi made history as the youngest player to appear in an official match for Lille at 16 years, broke the club record of the youngest to play 50 matches previously held by Eden Hazard, and made 83 appearances for Lille in all competitions before his impending City move.