Man City agree €100 million deal with Lille for teen talent Ayyoub Bouaddi | OneFootball

Manchester City have agreed a deal with Lille to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi for €95 million plus another €5m in bonuses. He joins on a five-year contract with the option of another year (h/t Fabrice Hawkins).

Bouaddi won’t play today against Angers as he is now set to move to the Premier League. Lille wanted to keep him for another season but have agreed to let him leave now.

The Cityzens needed a holding midfielder to replace Rodri following his departure. They have now turned to the 18-year-old star to provide the ball-winning they will miss.

Bouaddi has played more as a box-to-box midfielder in Ligue 1 but caught the eye at the 2026 World Cup with Morocco operating as a holding midfielder.

His composure on the ball and ability to win it back stood out. City have decided to take the gamble and sign him. He can partner Elliot Anderson in the centre of the park.

He can also pair nicely with reported City target Enzo Fernandez if they manage to snap him up this summer.

City will hope Bouaddi’s potential translates into top-class performances in the English top flight, but fans cannot expect him to deliver at Rodri’s level immediately.

The Moroccan youngster is still finding his footing in senior-level football and will be tasked with filling, or at least trying to fill, the boots of a Ballon d’Or and World Cup Golden Ball winner.

All while adapting to the demands of the position and arguably the world’s most competitive league. The task ahead is massive.

Man City boss Enzo Maresca is charged with keeping the Cityzens competitive on all fronts after Pep Guardiola left the club following a decade of remarkable success.

They begin their Premier League campaign today against Bournemouth after losing their Community Shield Clash with the reigning league champions, Arsenal.