Man City sign Morocco starlet Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille in record Premier League deal for a teenager

City will pay 81.4 million pounds upfront plus 4.2 million pounds in add-ons, with Bouaddi signing a five-year contract until 2031. The fee surpasses Manchester United's 58.9 million deal for Lille defender Leny Yoro in 2024.

Bouaddi joins after a breakthrough campaign with Lille and an impressive World Cup for Morocco, starting five of their six matches during their run to the quarter-finals. He made his Lille debut at 16 and has since made 96 senior appearances.

His arrival strengthens a City midfield that has undergone significant changes, with Rodri joining Barcelona and Tijjani Reijnders moving to Al-Qadsiah for. However, City have strengthened in the position with the signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.

Bouaddi is expected to operate as a number six and says balancing the team will be central to his role.

"I am a really collective player. I try to put my team-mate in the best position and to give everything every time for the team," he said.

The teenager said joining City was a dream and praised their style of football.

"Manchester City are, for me, the best club in the world. It's a dream to be here and be able to call myself a City player," Bouaddi said.

City director of football Hugo Viana believes the youngster can develop into a top midfielder.

"Ayyoub's potential is extremely high - a player equipped with everything a top midfielder needs," Viana said.

"At just 18, he already has outstanding football intelligence."

City remain linked with Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, while Savio has left for Tottenham.

Bouaddi is now focused on making his Premier League debut.

"I think the Premier League is the most attractive and most competitive championship in the world," he said. "Every player dreams to play in the Premier League."