Manchester City sign teenage Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille
Al Jazeera • • sports
Key Points:
- Manchester City have signed Moroccan teenage midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for 100 million euros ($117 million) on a five-year contract, ending speculation about his future.
- Bouaddi was a key player for Morocco at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, helping the team reach the quarterfinals with his calm midfield presence.
- The 18-year-old has been praised for his versatility, combining defensive skills with playmaking abilities, and is considered a rising star in both Moroccan and French football.
- Bouaddi became the youngest player to reach 50 Ligue 1 appearances and played a pivotal role in Lille's Champions League victory over Real Madrid in 2024.
- The midfielder expressed excitement about joining Manchester City, describing the club as "the best in the world" and praising their quality football and winning mentality.
