Man City reach agreement with Lille for Ayoub Bouaddi
By Luke Oluoch, August 23, 2026English Premier League giants Manchester City have reached an agreement with Ligue One outfit Lille for the signing of Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.
According to the BBC, Lille will receive an initial fee of Ksh14.39 billion, plus Ksh742.31 million in add-ons, bringing the total deal to Ksh15.13 billion. Bouaddi is set to sign a contract running through 2031, with an option for a further 12 months.
Lille and Morocco’s rising star
The move comes as a massive boost for the Cityzens, who fast-tracked negotiations for the 18-year-old following Rodri’s sudden departure to Barcelona on August 17, 2026.
The deal allows Bouaddi to join Manchester City immediately, departing from an initial proposal that would have seen him remain at Lille until 2027.
The rising teenage sensation primarily operates as a No. 6, featuring rare poise on the ball and exceptional vision when passing under pressure. Having debuted for Lille in October 2023, just three days after his 16th birthday.
Bouaddi went on to make 88 appearances for the French side, helping them secure a third-place Ligue 1 finish last season alongside valuable UEFA Champions League exposure.
World Cup run
Bouaddi further announced himself on the global stage at this summer’s World Cup with the Maghreb nation, where he started five of Morocco’s six matches during their run to the quarter-finals. Getting the deal across the line gives Manchester City a world-class replacement in midfield as they prepare for a demanding new campaign, with the club also continuing to monitor Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández.
Among the player’s achievements, despite his young age, is becoming the youngest footballer ever to play for Lille when he made his senior debut against KI just a few days after turning 16 in 2023.
He also received a rare heroic response at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy after helping Lille defeat Real Madrid in the Champions League on his 17th birthday, before breaking Eden Hazard’s record of 50 Ligue 1 appearances for Lille at the age of just 18.