EPL: Man City sign teenage star Bouaddi from Lille

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Manchester City have completed the signing of highly rated Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from French club Lille on a five-year contract.

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The 18-year-old has signed a deal that will keep him at the Etihad until the summer of 2031.

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Bouaddi arrives in Manchester after establishing himself as one of the most promising young midfielders in European football.

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He became Lille’s youngest-ever senior player when he made his first-team debut just days after his 16th birthday in 2023.

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He went on to make 96 appearances for the French club.

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The teenager also made a major impression for Morocco at the 2026 World Cup, starting five of the Atlas Lions’ six matches as they reached the quarter-finals.

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Following his move to City, Bouaddi expressed his determination to put the team ahead of personal ambitions.

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In a statement obtained from the club’s website on Wednesday, City was quoted as saying, “Ayyoub Bouaddi has already put pen to paper on his deal to play for Manchester City and now he’ll be looking to sign his name in the hearts of Blues fans.

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Bouaddi has already achieved so much in his fledgling career and he’s still only 18.

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He became the youngest footballer to ever play for Lille when he made his senior debut just a few days after turning 16 in 2023.”

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Bouaddi’s signing comes as City undergo a major midfield rebuild following the departures of Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Tijjani Reijnders.

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He joins England midfielder Elliot Anderson as one of the club’s major midfield additions this summer, with City also continuing to explore further options in the position.

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The Moroccan midfielder will now look to continue his rapid development at the Etihad and establish himself under manager Enzo Maresca.

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PUNCH Online had reported that City were closing in on a deal to sign Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille as the club prepare for life after Rodri.

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