Manchester City have completed the signing of midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi in a record-breaking £86m move from Lille. Sky Sports News understands City are paying a fixed fee of £81.3m plus £4.3m in add-ons. Bouaddi has signed a five-year contract, keeping him at City until the summer of 2031.
The 18-year-old becomes the most expensive teenage signing in Premier League history, surpassing the £58.9m Manchester United committed to paying Lille for Leny Yoro in 2024. Lille have secured the fee they were holding out for in negotiations for Bouaddi, who was one of the breakout stars of this summer's World Cup with Morocco. City are working to rebuild their midfield after the departures of Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Tijjani Reijnders.
"Manchester City are, for me, the best club in the world," said Bouaddi. "It's a dream to be here and be able to call myself a City player. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player "I have spent most of my life working hard to become the best player I can be and reach the top of the game.
I've watched City for many years, and I love their style of play. City always try and play quality football. And they have shown they are winners - this club feels like it's built to win.
"The squad is world-class and Enzo [Maresca] is a top manager. And I'm really looking forward to playing at the Etihad Stadium, in front of all the fans. "I have plenty of improving to do.
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. "This club demands trophies and I will give everything to make sure we are challenging for every title." Manchester City director of football Hugo Viana said: "Ayyoub's potential is extremely high - a player equipped with everything a top midfielder needs.
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