Man City agree £86m deal for teen midfielder Bouaddi
August 23, 2026 14:41
Manchester City have reached a principled agreement worth 100m euros (about £85.6m) to sign 18-year-old Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. Lille have accepted an initial payment of £81.4m with a further £4.2m in potential add-ons, and Bouaddi is expected to finalise the move to Enzo Maresca’s squad after prolonged negotiations.
The move follows earlier reports that the clubs were in advanced talks. It comes as City continue to rework their midfield following recent departures and arrivals.
KEY CONTEXT
- Bouaddi emerged on the biggest stages in recent seasons: he played a leading role in Lille’s Champions League win over Real Madrid in 2024 and started five of Morocco’s six matches during their run to the World Cup quarter-finals this summer.
- He made his senior debut for Lille in October 2023, a few days after turning 16, and has made 88 appearances for the club, helping them finish third in Ligue 1 last season.
- Bouaddi operates primarily as a deep-lying conductor, a profile that would pair with recent signing Elliot Anderson, who can play box-to-box and as a number six.
WHY IT MATTERS
- The acquisition addresses a clear midfield priority for City after they sold Rodri to Barcelona and Tijjani Reinders to Al-Qadsiah, freeing resources and creating openings in central midfield.
- Signing a teenager for a sizeable transfer fee signals City’s intent to invest long-term in midfield creativity and control, while complementing the existing profile added in Elliot Anderson.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Completion formalities and registration steps as Bouaddi finalises his move to Manchester City.
- How Bouaddi is integrated into Enzo Maresca’s midfield plans alongside Elliot Anderson.
- Whether City will continue pursuit of Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, as the club remains interested but no deal has been confirmed.
- City’s early-season form, beginning with their Premier League opener against Bournemouth, coming soon after their Community Shield defeat to Arsenal.
KEY FACTS
- Agreed fee: 100m euros (≈£85.6m); breakdown £81.4m upfront + £4.2m add-ons.
- Age: 18; Lille senior debut: October 2023, days after his 16th birthday.
- Lille appearances: 88; helped club to third place in Ligue 1 last season.
- International: Started five of Morocco’s six World Cup matches in their quarter-final run.
- Recent City midfield business: Rodri sold for £65m; Tijjani Reinders sold for £52m; Elliot Anderson signed for £116m.