Manchester City sign teenage Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi

Sought‑after midfielder Bouaddi has signed a five‑year contract with a Premier League club, with the transfer fee reported at $117 million. The move was completed in the final minutes of the summer transfer window, after the club’s sporting director confirmed the deal in a press briefing.

Bouaddi, who last played for Ligue 1 side RC Lens, is 24 and has been praised for his versatility between midfield and wing positions. In his two seasons in France he made 68 league appearances, scored 12 goals, and provided 18 assists, earning a call‑up to the Tunisian national team. The Premier League club cited his technical skill and work rate as key factors in the decision, and the manager highlighted the player’s potential to strengthen the squad’s midfield depth.

The signing is part of the club’s broader strategy to secure high‑profile talent ahead of the 2026‑27 campaign. With the contract extending through 2031, Bouaddi will be eligible to play in all domestic competitions and European fixtures, positioning the club to compete for both league and continental honours. The transfer marks the most expensive signing in the club’s history, underscoring its ambition to return to the top of English football.