Manchester City have completed the signing of Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for £85.6m, making the Morocco international the most expensive teenager in Premier League history.
The 18-year-old midfielder has agreed a five-year contract with the Premier League champions, subject to international clearance.
City will pay £81.4m upfront, with a further £4.2m potentially due in add-ons.
Bouaddi became a key figure for Lille after making his senior debut in 2023.
He made 96 appearances for the French club and helped them finish third in Ligue 1 last season.
He also impressed on the international stage at this summer’s World Cup, starting five of Morocco’s six matches as they reached the quarter-finals.
“This is a very special day for me and my family. Manchester City are, for me, the best club in the world. It’s a dream to be here and be able to call myself a City player,” said Bouaddi.
“I have spent most of my life working hard to become the best player I can be and reach the top of the game.
“I’ve watched City for many years, and I love their style of play. City always try and play quality football. And they have shown they are winners – this club feels like it’s built to win.”
The transfer fee surpasses the £58.9m Manchester United paid Lille for French defender Leny Yoro in 2024, making Bouaddi the Premier League’s costliest teenage signing.
Bouaddi made history at 16 when he became Lille’s youngest-ever senior player during their Europa League match against Faroese club KI.
He later attracted global attention after playing a starring role in Lille’s Champions League victory over Real Madrid in 2024.
His arrival is part of a major overhaul of City’s midfield following the departures of Rodri, Tijjani Reijnders and Bernardo Silva.
Nico Gonzalez is also set to leave for Newcastle in a £52m deal.
City had already signed England midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116m, while they are reportedly preparing an offer for Chelsea’s Argentina international Enzo Fernandez, who is valued at £120m.
Bouaddi is expected to operate as a deep-lying midfielder and could complement Anderson, who can play both as a box-to-box midfielder and in the number six position.
The midfielder’s move to City comes during a busy transfer window for the club, with Brazilian winger Savinho having joined Tottenham for £75m earlier this week.
Spurs have also agreed a loan deal for City’s Egypt forward Omar Marmoush.
