Manchester City have agreed a deal in principle with French club Lille for the signing of Morocco international midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi in a transfer that could rise to £85.6 million.
The 18-year-old midfielder is expected to complete his move to the Premier League champions after City and Lille reached an agreement for a package worth €100 million, including potential add-ons.
Reports indicate that City will pay an initial £81.4 million for Bouaddi, with a further £4.2 million potentially payable in performance-related add-ons.
Bouaddi is expected to undergo a medical before completing the transfer and signing his contract with the English champions.
The teenager emerged as one of the breakthrough stars of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he played a prominent role in Morocco's historic campaign. He started five of the country's six matches as Morocco progressed to the quarter-finals before losing to France.
His performances in Qatar further increased his profile after an impressive 2025/26 campaign with Lille. Bouaddi made 30 Ligue 1 appearances last season and helped the French club finish third, securing qualification for the UEFA Champions League.
Bouaddi primarily operates as a defensive midfielder and has been regarded as one of Europe's most promising young midfielders.
He made his Lille first-team debut at just 16 and subsequently became the youngest player to feature in the UEFA Conference League when he appeared against Klaksvik in October 2023.
Manchester City have moved for the teenager as part of a major restructuring of their midfield.
The club recently lost several key midfielders, including Rodri, who completed a move to Barcelona, and Tijjani Reijnders, who joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Qadsiah. City have also brought in England midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest in a major deal.
Bouaddi's arrival is therefore expected to give City's midfield additional depth and provide the club with a long-term option in the defensive and central midfield positions.
The transfer represents another major investment in young talent by Manchester City, with Bouaddi's World Cup performances apparently convincing the club that he is ready to make the step up to the Premier League.
The deal is also significant for Moroccan football. If completed at the reported €100 million maximum, Bouaddi would become the most expensive Moroccan footballer in history, surpassing the previous transfer record associated with Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi.
Several European clubs had reportedly monitored Bouaddi's development, but Manchester City moved decisively to secure his signature.
The agreement is expected to be formally completed after the player's medical and the final contractual procedures.
With the transfer window still open, City are expected to remain active in the market as new manager Enzo Maresca continues rebuilding the squad and reshaping the midfield following several significant departures.
Bouaddi's impending arrival marks another statement signing for City and gives the club one of Europe's most highly rated young midfielders as they prepare for another demanding Premier League and Champions League campaign.
