Manchester City sign teenage Moroccan star Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille

What the report says

Manchester City have completed the signing of Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, with the French club confirming the move on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. Al Jazeera reported that the 18-year-old joined the Premier League side on a five-year contract in a deal worth 100 million euros, or about $117 million. The transfer ended weeks of speculation about his future.

Bouaddi arrives at City after emerging as one of the most closely watched young midfielders in European football. According to Al Jazeera, he had already become the youngest player to reach 50 appearances in France’s Ligue 1 and had drawn attention for his calm, versatile play. Lille had extended his contract last year, and the club was said to be holding out for the asking price.

The report also linked the move to City’s broader midfield reshuffle, noting the club had been in talks after the departures of Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders, with Nico Gonzalez also expected to leave. Bouaddi said in a statement shared by City that joining the club was a dream and described Manchester City as a team whose style and winning record he had long admired.

Bouaddi’s profile rose further after he played a key role in Morocco’s run to the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals. More broadly, his transfer reflects the continued premium top clubs place on elite young talent, especially players able to contribute both defensively and in building attacks.