Manchester City have signed Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for £85m in a record Premier League price for a teenager.
Bouaddi, who has signed a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium, becomes their second midfield signing of the summer after Elliot Anderson.
City’s midfield revamp has now cost over £200m – with Anderson a club record purchase at £85m – with the potential of a third arrival there and interest in Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea.
Bouaddi excelled in the World Cup for Morocco and City see him as a talent with the ability to get better still.
Director of football Hugo Viana said: “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 [Maresca, the manager]. We have watched him very, very closely and throughout that process we have become increasingly convinced he is a huge talent who will thrive at City.”
Bouaddi, who was the youngest player in Lille’s history, will be charged with replacing Rodri and Bernardo Silva, who have joined Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively.
City could lose four midfielders this summer, with Tijjani Reijnders moving to Al Qadsiah for £51m and Newcastle agreeing a £52m fee for Nico Gonzalez.
Bouaddi, who will take the No 32 shirt, said: “I am really, really happy – really proud to be here at one of the greatest clubs in the world.
“This is a very special day for me and my family. 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. 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 is a top manager. And I’m really looking forward to playing at the Etihad Stadium, in front of all the fans.
“I think it was the right time because I was good in Lille, I felt very good, but I felt it was the right moment to step over and coming to City.”
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