STATUS: OFFICIAL
Ayyoub Bouaddi is officially a Manchester City player. The English club confirmed on 26 August 2026 that the 18-year-old midfielder has joined from Lille on a five-year contract running until 2031.
WHAT THE CLUB CONFIRMED
Manchester City announced the transfer, the length of the contract and the No 32 shirt Bouaddi will wear. Administrative completion remains subject to international clearance, as the club’s statement specifies.
Bouaddi leaves Lille after making 96 appearances for the French side. He debuted for the first team only days after his 16th birthday and went on to become an important part of their midfield. At international level, he chose Morocco after previously representing France at youth levels.
THE REPORTED FEE, NOT A CONFIRMED ONE
Manchester City did not disclose the transfer fee. Reuters reports that British media value the deal at about £86 million, while other reports place the package near €100 million. Those figures remain reported and are not presented as club-confirmed financial terms.
THE NEXT STEP
Bouaddi described the move as a dream and said he wants to give everything for the team. For City, the signing adds one of the most highly rated talents of his generation, but his role and playing time will be decided on the pitch.
SOURCES
Manchester City, 26 August 2026: https://www.mancity.com/news/mens/ayyoub-bouaddi-completes-move-to-manchester-city-63923333
Reuters, 26 August 2026: https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/manchester-city-sign-morocco-midfielder-bouaddi-lille-2026-08-26/
