Bouaddi is set to join the Etihad on a contract until 2031, with an option for a one-year extension. Once finalized, this transfer will make Bouaddi the most expensive teenage signing in Premier League history, surpassing the 76 million USD Manchester United paid Lille for Leny Yoro in 2024. This move represents a new step for Manchester City in their midfield rebuild.

This summer, Manchester City sold Rodri to Barcelona for a total fee of 88,5 million USD and Tijjani Reijnders to Al Qadsiah for 68,9 million USD. They also parted ways with Bernardo Silva on a free transfer. The club is also likely to see Nico Gonzalez, a midfielder targeted by Newcastle, depart.

Ayyoub Bouaddi (left) vies for the ball with Tomas Haendel during a Lille match against Red Star in the Europa League play-off second leg in Belgrade, Serbia on 26/2. Photo: AP

Conversely, prior to reaching an agreement for Bouaddi, Manchester City brought in Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for 153 million USD. The Manchester club is also interested in midfielder Enzo Fernandez, despite having missed Chelsea's deadline.

Bouaddi joined the Lille academy in 2021, introduced by Luis Carlos, who is now a football advisor for PSG. He became the youngest player in the club's history when he debuted at 16 years and three days old in a Conference League match in 9/2023.

In the 2025-2026 season, his third full season with the first team, Bouaddi played 42 matches across all competitions and provided one assist. The Moroccan midfielder played a significant role in helping Lille finish third in Ligue 1, securing qualification for the Champions League.

Internationally, Bouaddi represented France's youth teams from U16 to U21 before choosing to play for the Morocco national team starting in 5/2026. He made a significant impact at the World Cup 2026, starting 5 of 6 matches on their run to the quarterfinals. In the 1-1 group stage draw against Brazil, he had the most touches for the Morocco team.

Ayyoub Bouaddi dribbles during Morocco's 1-1 draw with Brazil in Group C of the World Cup 2026 at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA on 13/6. Photo: Reuters

According to The Athletic, Bouaddi's strength lies in his ability to escape pressure with confident dribbling. Standing at 1,86 m with a lean physique, the midfielder uses his body to shield the ball, combining close control with quick changes of direction.

Last season, Bouaddi averaged 1,2 dribbles per game, ranking fifth among defensive midfielders in Europe's top 5 leagues. These dribbles were not confined to his own half; Bouaddi often carried the ball past pressure and deep into areas where he could create attacking opportunities for Lille.

His composure under pressure is fundamental to Bouaddi's confident playing style. While his timing for employing specific techniques is still developing at 18 years old, the Moroccan midfielder generally makes sound decisions, demonstrating mature footballing intelligence.

Off the ball, Bouaddi is a combative midfielder who does not shy away from challenging tackles. He also possesses good game reading ability, often anticipating loose balls and positioning himself to recover possession.

These qualities position Bouaddi as one of Morocco's most notable young talents and a significant investment for Manchester City's midfield.

By Hong Duy