The maths whizz turned £86m teenage star heading to Man City

What the report says

Manchester City have agreed a deal in principle with Lille to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi, with BBC Sport reporting the fee is 100m euros (£86m). The 18-year-old midfielder is expected to move to the Premier League after emerging as one of Europe’s most closely watched young players.

BBC Sport says Bouaddi’s reputation has grown through strong performances for Lille and Morocco. He has already set club records, including becoming Lille’s youngest senior player in 2023 shortly after his 16th birthday and reaching 50 Ligue 1 appearances at 18. The article also notes his display at the World Cup, where observers highlighted his composure, positional intelligence and ability to compete against experienced opponents.

The report adds that Bouaddi was also eligible for France but chose Morocco, the country of his family roots. Former coaches and teammates quoted by BBC Sport describe him as disciplined, reflective and unusually mature for his age. Those close to him say he combines football ability with a strong academic streak, including maths studies, which has helped build his reputation as a rare teenage talent.

If completed, the move would underline City’s continued focus on high-ceiling young signings, while Lille would be set to receive a major fee for a player still at the start of his career.