Manchester City announced the acquisition of Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from French club Lille on Wednesday. The 18-year-old is considered one of the most promising young players in global football.
Bouaddi made his debut for Lille’s first team just three days after turning sixteen in the Europa Conference League, according to Goal. He described joining Manchester City as a dream come true, calling it a special moment for himself and his family, according to a report from Yahoo Sports. Bouaddi said he has long admired the club and its style of play, which he believes is among the best in the world.
He added that he is still developing as a player and sees his time at City as an opportunity to grow further. The club’s technical director, Viana, praised Bouaddi’s potential and said he has all the qualities needed for a top midfielder.
Bouaddi gained attention during the recent World Cup, where he played a key role for Morocco. He impressed particularly in a match against Brazil, where Morocco controlled possession and Bouaddi maintained a 91% passing accuracy.
His performance helped elevate his reputation on the international stage and drew interest from top clubs. Bouaddi signed a five-year contract with Manchester City, which will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2031.
The transfer is subject to international clearance and is valued at £85.6 million. He has previously played for Lille’s youth teams and helped the club return to Champions League competition last season.
Bouaddi will now train under the guidance of Manchester City’s coaching staff, including manager Maresca. He described himself as a team player who prioritizes collective success over individual performance, beinsports.com reported.
City fans will be eager to see him in action as the club continues its pursuit of trophies across all competitions.
Image: Man City Sign Moroccan Midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille DNR Art Department