Manchester City has already found a replacement for its midfield. The English club confirmed on Wednesday the signing of Moroccan Ayyoub Bouaddi, who arrives from Lille for 100 million euros—a figure that amounts to 116 million dollars.
The 18-year-old midfielder arrives to fill the gaps left by Rodrigo Hernández, who departed for Barcelona; Tijjani Reijnders, who moved to Saudi Arabia; and Nico González, whose transfer to Newcastle United has been agreed upon.
Bouaddi’s introduction was also marked by comparisons to Rodrigo, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner. However, Manchester City made it clear that the young player must forge his own path: “Manchester doesn’t ask you to be the next someone else; it asks you to be the first you.”
With his arrival, Bouaddi becomes the third-most-expensive signing in Manchester City’s history, behind only Elliot Anderson and Jack Grealish. Additionally, it is the most expensive transfer in Premier League history for a player under the age of 20.
The Moroccan international started in five of his national team’s six matches during the 2026 World Cup and has played in 88 matches for Lille since his debut three years ago. He also holds the record for the most Ligue 1 appearances by a player under the age of 18.
Manchester City has spent 280 million euros during this summer transfer window, though it has also brought in the same amount through player sales.
The signing of Bouaddi, however, would not rule out another move in midfield. The team led by Enzo Maresca is considering the possibility of pursuing Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández in a deal estimated at around 140 million euros.
