Manchester City complete £85.6million deal for 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi
By Andy Hampson, Press Association
Manchester City have completed the £85.6million signing of Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, the Premier League club have announced.
The 18-year-old Morocco international has signed a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium after the clubs agreed a fee over the weekend.
The Press Association understands the deal is worth an initial £81million with the rest of the fee made up in potential add-ons.
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Bouaddi’s arrival increases manager Enzo Maresca’s midfield options following the recent departures of Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders, with Nico Gonzalez also poised to leave.
He is City’s second major summer signing after the £116m capture of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. The fee makes him the most expensive teenager in Premier League history.
Bouaddi, who impressed during Morocco’s run to the World Cup quarter-finals, has made 96 appearances for Lille since breaking into their first team at the age of 16.
That made him the youngest player in the club’s history and, after helping Lille to third in Ligue 1 last season, he now sees City as the ideal place to continue his development.
“Manchester City are, for me, the best club in the world,” he told the club’s media channels.
“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 (Maresca) is a top manager.
“I have plenty of improving to do, I am only 18. 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.”
City have been monitoring Bouaddi for some time.
Director of football Hugo Viana said: “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.”
His signing, which is subject to international clearance, is expected to be followed by that of Palemiras winger Allan after City had a £34.2m bid accepted. City have also been linked with Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez.
