Bouaddi joins City as midfield rebuild gathers pace
City have confirmed the arrival of Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, the second midfield signing of a summer that is beginning to take on a clear shape.
The 18-year-old Moroccan international follows Elliot Anderson through the door at the Etihad, and the club have paid a significant sum to get their man — £81.3 million, with a further £4.3 million in add-ons, as reported by Sam Lee for The Athletic.
Bouaddi arrives with 96 Lille appearances already behind him, which is a lot of football for someone who only turned 18 recently. He has also won eight caps for Morocco and played his part in their run to the quarter-finals of this summer's World Cup.
For a player so young, the move represents a considerable step up. For City, it looks like a statement of intent about the direction of the midfield.
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.
Bouaddi said he has watched City for years and loves the style of play, and he was quick to praise what he is walking into.
The squad is world-class and Enzo is a top manager. And I'm really looking forward to playing at the Etihad Stadium, in front of all the fans.
The fee raises eyebrows for a teenager, but the club are clearly betting on potential as much as present ability. Bouaddi is expected to be a big part of City's future, and the early signs are that the future is arriving quickly.