TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Manchester City has officially signed Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from French club Lille, making him the most expensive teenager in Premier League history.
"Manchester City are delighted to have completed the signing of Moroccan international Ayyoub Bouaddi," the English club announced on its official website on Wednesday.
Manchester City revealed that the player has signed a five-year contract, keeping him at the Etihad Stadium until 2031.
Meanwhile, Lille announced on Wednesday that Bouaddi had moved to Manchester City for a transfer fee of 100 million euros (approximately Rp1.9 trillion).
Bouaddi's transfer fee surpasses the previous record held by Manchester United defender Leny Yoro. Yoro also joined from Lille in 2024 for a fee of 58.9 million pounds.
Manchester City signed Bouaddi to bolster their midfield after releasing several players.
Rodri, the World Cup-winning Spanish national team captain, was sold to Barcelona, while Tijjani Reijnders moved to Al-Qadsiah. Nico Gonzalez is also rumored to be leaving the Etihad Stadium and joining Newcastle United.
Bouaddi joined Manchester City after impressing with Morocco at the 2026 World Cup. He was a standout player in Morocco's run to the quarterfinals before being eliminated by France.
At club level, Bouaddi has made 96 appearances for Lille after breaking into the first team at just 16 years old.
"This is a very special day for me and my family. Manchester City are, for me, the best Club in the world," Bouaddi told Manchester City's official website.
Bouaddi admitted that he has long admired Manchester City's style of play. He is also determined to contribute to helping the club win various trophies.
"The squad is world-class and Enzo is a top manager. I have plenty of improving to do. I am only 18. I am happy with the progress I have made so far, but I also know I can improve so much," said Bouaddi.
"This Club demands trophies and I will give everything to make sure we are challenging for every title," he added.
Bouaddi's arrival is part of Manchester City's midfield overhaul after Enzo Maresca replaced Pep Guardiola as manager at the end of last season. The central midfield position has been one of Maresca's priorities in the transfer market.
Manchester City are also still linked with Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez. However, Chelsea had previously set a deadline to receive offers for the Argentine, valued at around £120 million, but no agreement was reached by that deadline.
City previously suffered a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield. However, they opened their 2026/27 Premier League campaign with a 2-1 win over Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium on August 23.
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