Bouaddi completes £85m Manchester City move from Lille on six-year deal

Ayyoub Bouaddi has completed his £85m move from Lille to Manchester City, signing a contract that runs until at least 2031. The 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder becomes the club’s fifth summer signing and pushes their total spending this window beyond £200m.

Bouaddi wasted little time in making clear his feelings about the move, declaring City the best club in the world and positioning the Etihad as the ideal environment for his development.

“Manchester City are, for me, the best club in the world,” Bouaddi said. “It’s a dream to be here and be able to call myself a City player. I have spent most of my life working hard to become the best player I can be and reach the top of the game.”

The teenage midfielder cited City’s style of play and winning culture as key factors in his decision, and also offered a warm assessment of head coach Enzo Maresca.

“I’ve watched City for many years, and I love their style of play,” he added. “City always try and play quality football. And they have shown they are winners — this club feels like it’s built to win. The squad is world-class and Enzo is a top manager.”

Despite the weight of the transfer fee, Bouaddi struck a measured tone about where he stands in his career. “I have plenty of improving to do. I am only 18. I am happy with the progress I have made so far, but I also know I can improve so much. This is undoubtedly the best place for me to do that.”

Bouaddi joins Elliot Anderson, Gerónimo Rulli, Jeremy Monga, and Pierce Charles as City’s summer arrivals. His signing underlines the club’s ambition to reinforce their midfield ahead of what promises to be a demanding campaign across multiple competitions.