Man City breaks record with £86m signing of teenage Morocco star Bouaddi
Manchester City have officially signed Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille in a record-breaking £86m deal, comprising a fixed fee of £81.3m plus £4.3m in add-ons. The 18-year-old midfielder has signed a five-year contract that will keep him at the Etihad until the summer of 2031, becoming the most expensive teenage signing in Premier League history, surpassing the £58.9m Manchester United agreed with Lille for Leny Yoro in 2024.
Bouaddi was a breakout star of the 2026 World Cup in North America and a regular for the Morocco national team. City are rebuilding their midfield following the exits of Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Tijjani Reijnders, and this acquisition signals a clear intent to invest heavily in youth to maintain competitiveness both domestically and in Europe. The fee may set a new benchmark for teenage talents across the continent.
For supporters, the key question is whether Bouaddi's price tag will translate into immediate impact or if he will need time to adapt to the Premier League's intensity under Pep Guardiola. Watch his early appearances, consider how this signing influences City's title prospects, and think about what it means for fantasy football valuations.