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Bouaddi to Etihad
Manchester City announced the signing of midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, with The Athletic reporting a deal for an initial €95million (£81.4m) fee plus €5m (£4.3m) in potential add-ons.
“Manchester City have announced the signing of midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille”
Bouaddi, a Morocco international, joins on a contract to 2031 and will wear the No 32 shirt, after starting five of Morocco’s six matches at the World Cup as the Atlas Lions reached the quarterfinals.
In a statement shared by City, Bouaddi said, "This is a very special day for me and my family," and added, "Manchester City are, for me, the best club in the world."
The New York Times also framed the move as part of City’s plan to replace Rodri, who departed for Barcelona last week, while Bouaddi said, "I’m really looking forward to playing at the Etihad Stadium, in front of all the fans."
Price and contract details
Al Jazeera said the French club confirmed a deal worth 100 million euros ($117m) and reported Lille put Bouaddi’s departure on a five-year deal.
ESPN put the fee at €100 million (£85.6m / $117m) and said City will pay an initial €95m with another €5m due in potential bonuses, while also stating Bouaddi signed a five-year deal until 2031.
Sky Sports News described the record-breaking move as a fixed fee of £81.3m plus £4.3m in add-ons, and said the 18-year-old becomes the most expensive teenage signing in Premier League history.
Sky Sports also quoted Bouaddi saying, "I have plenty of improving to do. I am only 18," and quoted City director of football Hugo Viana saying, "Ayyoub's potential is extremely high - a player equipped with everything a top midfielder needs."
Midfield reshuffle and expectations
City’s recruitment is positioned as a response to departures including Rodri to Barcelona, with Al Jazeera noting Tijjani Reijnders to Al-Qadsiah and Nico Gonzalez also poised to leave the Etihad.
“after selling Rodri to Barcelona and Tijjani Reijnders to Al-Qadsiah”
The New York Times said Bouaddi will be part of City’s plans to replace Rodri, while ESPN said his arrival strengthens a City midfield that lost Rodri to Barcelona earlier this summer.
Sky Sports reported that Enzo Maresca deployed centre-back Marc Guéhi in the middle of the pitch for their Premier League opener against Bournemouth, and it quoted Bouaddi describing his role as a No 6 who helps balance the team.
In the same coverage, Sky Sports quoted Bouaddi saying, "We know as a No 6 that you're not going to score 20 goals in a season," and it quoted him saying, "The most important aspect is to try to balance the team, help your team-mates."