Manchester City and Lille reach agreement for Ayyoub Bouaddi

The Moroccan midfielder set to sign for five years, with an optional extra season, after his medical examination

Africa 23 August 2026 at 09:30

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Manchester City and Lille reach agreement for Ayyoub Bouaddi

The Ayyoub Bouaddi saga is nearing its conclusion. According to Fabrice Hawkins of RMC Sport—news later confirmed by David Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano—Manchester City and Lille have reached an agreement for the transfer of the 18-year-old midfielder. The deal is set to total €100 million, with €95 million guaranteed and an additional €5 million in bonuses.

🚨Ayyoub Bouaddi will be cleared to travel after the Angers vs Lille match, which he will not play in as previously reported by @RMCsport
The Moroccan international is expected in England this Monday following the agreement between Manchester City and LOSC. ✈️🩵🇲🇦https://t.co/1E8qU2jfdP
— Fabrice Hawkins (@FabriceHawkins) August 23, 2026

Medical examination scheduled for next week

The player had already accepted the terms offered by the Citizens in July. He is expected to sign a five-year contract, running until June 2031, with an additional year as an option. Before leaving the Dogues for good, Bouaddi traveled to Angers, though he was not included in Lille’s squad.

His medical examination and contract signing are expected next week. Unless there is a last-minute twist, the young international will immediately join Enzo Maresca’s squad and will not remain in northern France for another season. In fact, City intensified negotiations in recent weeks after having previously secured the player's agreement.

A historic transfer for Lille

Bouaddi is coming off an impressive season, featuring in 42 matches, including 37 as a starter. He provided one assist, but his real impact lies in his playmaking, passing accuracy, and relentless work in recovering possession. At the last World Cup, he started five of Morocco’s six matches, helping them reach the quarterfinals.

This transfer would become the biggest sale in LOSC’s history, surpassing the €80 million Arsenal paid for Nicolas Pépé in 2019. Bouaddi would also surpass Achraf Hakimi to become the most expensive Moroccan player ever. His move would set a new Premier League record for a player under 20, far ahead of the £59 million Manchester United spent on Leny Yoro.