Ayyoub Bouaddi set for Manchester City move, to eclipse Neymar as Ligue 1’s costliest export | OneFootball

Ayyoub Bouaddi is close to joining Manchester City for €100m including bonuses. Once confirmed, the Lille and Morocco midfielder would become Ligue 1’s most expensive sale abroad, overtaking Neymar.

According to L'Équipe, the 18-year-old is on the brink of completing the switch, underlining Lille’s track record of extracting maximum value for their talent.

Neymar left PSG for Al Hilal in 2023 after falling outside Luis Enrique’s plans, signing a vast deal that turned into a historic flop.

Nicolas Pépé’s 22 goals and 11 assists in 2018-19 earned an €80m move to Arsenal ahead of Napoli, with PSG not matching Lille’s asking price.

Aurélien Tchouaméni joined Real Madrid for €80m at 22 soon after the Mbappé saga concluded.

Victor Osimhen moved to Napoli for €75m, though Lille president Olivier Létang said in late 2024 the sale brought only €7m into the club’s coffers.

James Rodriguez transferred to Real Madrid for €75m in 2014 after a standout World Cup with Colombia.

Concluded in February 2026, a deal accompanied by Jérémy Jacquet’s loan to Rennes became the Brittany club’s record sale at €63.6m to €70m including bonuses, surpassing Jérémy Doku’s €60m to Manchester City in 2023.

Leny Yoro ultimately chose Manchester United for €62m, rising to €70m with bonuses, then a record for a defender leaving Ligue 1 and among Lille’s biggest academy sales.

Source: L'Équipe

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