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Ayyoub Bouaddi joins Manchester City for record transfer

Young Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi leaves Lille for Manchester City, marking a historic €100 million transfer.

26 August 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: Ayyoub Bouaddi joins Manchester City for record transfer — Archive photoPhoto: wonker · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0

Ayyoub Bouaddi, an 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder, has been transferred from Lille to Manchester City for an estimated fee of €100 million. This transfer, officially announced this Wednesday, represents the largest sale of a Ligue 1 club to a foreign club and makes Bouaddi the second-most expensive African player in football history.

According to several sources, Bouaddi has signed a five-year contract with Manchester City, committing to the English club until 2031. This transfer is a culmination for the young player, who had already excelled with Lille and has participated in international competitions with the Moroccan national team.

The president of LOSC, Olivier Létang, confirmed that the sale of Bouaddi would bring €100 million to the club, representing a major financial boost for the northern club and strengthening its position in the market as a training center.

This transfer has generated significant interest in the sports community, with several media outlets highlighting the importance of this deal for both Lille and Manchester City. The Citizens, Premier League contenders, aim to strengthen their squad by adding a promising young talent to their roster.

Bouaddi, who has made a name for himself during his last two seasons at Lille, concludes his journey with the training club. The midfielder, nicknamed Lion of the Atlas, arrives in England with great ambitions.

The sum of €100 million, which may include potential bonuses, illustrates current trends in the transfer market where clubs aim to acquire young talents to develop them within their teams. This transfer to Manchester City marks a significant step in Bouaddi's career and opens a new chapter in international football.

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