It is now official: Moroccan international Ayyoub Bouaddi has left Lille to join Manchester City. The 18-year-old midfielder has signed a contract with the English club until 2031, completing one of the major moves of this summer’s transfer window.

Developed at Lille, Bouaddi leaves his boyhood club after five years wearing the LOSC colors. He made his professional debut at just 16 and gradually established himself as one of European football’s most promising young talents. He made 96 appearances for Lille before moving to Manchester City.

A Record-Breaking Transfer

The transfer fee amounts to €100 million, including bonuses, making Bouaddi the most expensive sale in Lille’s history and the highest-value transfer ever made by a Ligue 1 club to a foreign team.

The move also represents a major milestone in the career of the young Moroccan midfielder, who had attracted interest from several leading European clubs following his performances for Lille and the national team.

A World Cup That Accelerated His Career

A Moroccan international, Bouaddi particularly impressed during the 2026 World Cup with the Atlas Lions. He started five of Morocco’s six matches as the national team reached the quarter-finals of the competition.

His performances further strengthened his status as one of the most sought-after young talents on the European market and helped accelerate his move to one of England’s leading clubs.

A New Challenge in the Premier League

At Manchester City, Bouaddi has signed a five-year contract running until 2031. The English club considers him one of the most promising young players in world football.

The young Moroccan international will now face a new challenge as he takes his career to the next level in the Premier League and joins Manchester City’s squad.

For Lille, the deal represents an exceptional financial operation. For Bouaddi, it marks the beginning of a new chapter at the highest level of European football.