Blues land Lille prodigy as Viana hails 'extremely high' potential
Manchester City have officially confirmed the signing of Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, with Director of Football Hugo Viana making clear the club's excitement over the 18-year-old's arrival.
Bouaddi arrives with a growing reputation, having impressed in Ligue 1 and caught the eye at the World Cup with Morocco. His move to the Etihad has now been made official via the club's website.
Viana, speaking after the deal was completed, was unequivocal in his assessment of the teenager.
“Ayyoub's potential is extremely high – a player equipped with everything a top midfielder needs. At just 18, he already has outstanding football intelligence, and that will only improve under the guidance of Enzo.”
City's recruitment team have clearly done their homework. Viana revealed they had watched Bouaddi “very, very closely”, and that process has left them convinced he is a huge talent who will thrive at the club.
“We are really happy he has joined us,” Viana added. “Our job now is to ensure we provide him with everything he needs to fulfil his potential.”
The signing comes at a significant moment for City's midfield. Rodri's departure to Barcelona this summer has left a gap that needs filling, and while keeping the experienced Spaniard would have been good for the squad, the club have moved to reshape the engine room.
Elliot Anderson has already arrived from Nottingham Forest earlier in the window, and the pair should combine as a strong new-look midfield capable of shining both now and in the years ahead.
For Bouaddi, though, the challenge is clear. He will now have to show what he can do at the very highest level, with big pressure on him at City in a way that there won't have been at Lille. Viana's words suggest the club believe he is ready for that step.