Manchester City have signed 18-year-old Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi from French club Lille on a five-year contract, the Premier League side announced on Wednesday.
The midfielder’s contract will run until 2031, subject to international clearance.
Bouaddi arrives at the Etihad after making 96 senior appearances for Lille since becoming the club’s youngest-ever debutant in European competition, featuring in the UEFA Conference League shortly after his 16th birthday.
He gradually became an established member of Lille’s first team, making 18 appearances in the 2023-24 season, 36 the following campaign and 42 last season.
Born in France, Bouaddi represented the country at youth and Under-21 level before opting to play international football for Morocco, the country of his parents’ origin. He has made eight appearances for the Atlas Lions.
Bouaddi said joining City represented a major step in his career and praised the club’s playing style.
“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,” he said.
The teenager also acknowledged the need for continued development despite his rapid rise.
“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,” Bouaddi said.
He added that City’s ambition to compete for major honours was a key attraction and vowed to contribute to the club’s pursuit of trophies.
