Manchester City Lands Teenage Sensation Bouaddi From Lille

Manchester City has officially announced the acquisition of highly-rated Moroccan midfielder, Ayyoub Bouaddi, from French club Lille. The 18-year-old has committed to a five-year deal, securing his presence at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2031.

Bouaddi's move to the Manchester giants follows a remarkable rise through European football, where he quickly established himself as one of the continent's most promising young talents in midfield. He made history at Lille in 2023, becoming their youngest-ever senior player when he debuted just days after celebrating his 16th birthday. Throughout his tenure with the French outfit, Bouaddi accumulated an impressive 96 appearances.

The young Moroccan also made a significant impact on the international stage, featuring prominently for the Atlas Lions at the 2026 World Cup. He started five out of Morocco's six matches, playing a crucial role in their journey to the quarter-finals of the tournament.

Upon joining City, Bouaddi conveyed his strong commitment to prioritizing the team's objectives over any personal aspirations. The club, in a statement released on its official website on Wednesday, welcomed their new signing, stating: “Ayyoub Bouaddi has already put pen to paper on his deal to play for Manchester City and now he’ll be looking to sign his name in the hearts of Blues fans. Bouaddi has already achieved so much in his fledgling career and he’s still only 18. He became the youngest footballer to ever play for Lille when he made his senior debut just a few days after turning 16 in 2023.”

This signing is crucial for Manchester City as they embark on a significant midfield restructuring, prompted by the recent departures of key players like Rodri, Bernardo Silva, and Tijjani Reijnders. Bouaddi joins England midfielder Elliot Anderson as one of the prominent midfield additions this transfer window, with the club reportedly still exploring further options to bolster the position.

The Moroccan international is now expected to continue his rapid development trajectory at the Etihad under the guidance of manager Enzo Maresca, aiming to cement his place in the squad. Earlier reports from PUNCH Online had indicated that City was on the verge of finalizing the deal for Bouaddi, anticipating the need to prepare for life without star midfielder Rodri.