Manchester City have completed the signing of Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, with the 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder committing to a contract at the Etihad Stadium through 2031. The deal makes Bouaddi City's sixth summer signing of the 2026 transfer window.

A Prodigy Built in Ligue 1

Bouaddi arrives in Manchester having made 96 appearances for Lille, a remarkable tally for a player still in his teens. He made his senior debut for the Ligue 1 club in the UEFA Conference League just three days after his 16th birthday, before cementing himself as a first-team regular over the two seasons that followed.

Despite representing France at youth and Under-21 level, Bouaddi switched international allegiance to Morocco — the nationality of his parents — and went on to earn 8 senior caps for the Atlas Lions. He featured prominently for Morocco during the FIFA World Cup 2026, a tournament that accelerated his profile across Europe's top clubs.

Bouaddi's Words on Joining City

'This is a very special day for me and my family. Manchester City are, for me, the best Club in the world. It's a dream to be here and be able to call myself a City player,' Bouaddi said in an official club statement.

The midfielder added that City's playing philosophy and winning culture were central to his decision. 'I've watched City for many years, and I love their style of play. City always try to 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,' he said.

Bouaddi also struck a measured note about his own development: '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. This Club demands trophies, and I will give everything to make sure we are challenging for every title.'

What the Club Said

Manchester City director of football Hugo Viana described Bouaddi as a player 'equipped with everything a top midfielder needs,' praising his football intelligence and projecting significant growth under manager Enzo.

'We have watched him very, very closely and throughout that process we have become increasingly convinced he is a huge talent who will thrive at City. We are really happy he has joined us and our job now is to ensure we provide him with everything he needs to fulfil his potential,' Viana said.

City's Summer Window and What's Next

Bouaddi joins Elliot Anderson, Pierce Charles, Jeremy Monga, Mathys Detourbet, and Geronimo Rulli as City's summer arrivals. He is expected to make his competitive debut on Friday when City face Crystal Palace in their second Premier League 2026-27 fixture. His arrival signals City's intent to blend elite youth with their established winning infrastructure as the new season gathers pace.