Manchester City has officially secured the signing of 18-year-old Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi for a fee of 100 million euros, according to multiple reports confirmed by participating clubs and sports outlets on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. The Morocco international has signed a five-year contract running until 2031. The agreement establishes a new benchmark for Ligue 1 transfers, marking the largest outward sale of a French league player to a foreign club.
A Record-Breaking Fee for Ligue 1 and LOSC
According to Lille president Olivier Létang, the minimum valuation for the teenage midfielder reached the nine-figure threshold, sealing an unprecedented financial windfall for the French club. This transaction eclipses previous major departures from the French top flight, adding to a staggering accumulation of over 500 million euros in player sales orchestrated by Létang’s leadership at LOSC. The northern club has previously profited significantly from elite academy exports, including Leny Yoro’s move to Manchester United for 60 million euros in July 2024 and Lucas Chevalier’s transfer to Paris Saint-Germain. Historical benchmarks for the club also feature Nicolas Pépé’s 2019 move to Arsenal for 80 million euros and Victor Osimhen’s 2020 transfer to Napoli.
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Filling the Void Left by Rodri
Manchester City moved decisively to reinforce its midfield following the departure of World Cup-winning midfielder Rodri to Barcelona just over a week prior. Ayyoub Bouaddi arrives in the Premier League armed with significant high-level experience despite his tender age. Born in Senlis, Oise, the midfielder captured European attention in October 2024 by delivering a performance in a 1–0 UEFA Champions League victory against Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid on the night of his 17th birthday. His developmental trajectory earned him a nomination for the 2025 Trophée Kopa, awarded to the best player under 21 of the season.
International Ascension with the Atlas Lions
On the international front, Bouaddi chose to represent Morocco, the homeland of his parents, after progressing through France’s youth ranks up to the Espoirs side. He immediately established himself on the global stage during the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Operating as a component of the Atlas Lions, Bouaddi made five appearances, helping guide his nation to the tournament’s quarterfinals before a 2–0 elimination against France. His performances—including a showing in a 1–1 draw against Brazil—cemented his status as one of the most coveted young prospects.
High Praise from Club Leadership
Reflecting on the midfielder’s rapid ascent and unique temperament, Lille president Olivier Létang highlighted the player’s extraordinary maturity. Speaking to Eurosport earlier in the summer, Létang placed the young star alongside elite French athletic prodigies, stating that Bouaddi is a extraordinary young man, different in every dimension, and comparing his developmental trajectory to icons like Victor Wembanyama, Paul Seixas, Léon Marchand, and Kylian Mbappé. Manchester City will now integrate the record-setting acquisition into their Premier League and European campaigns as the club prepares for its next domestic fixture.
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