Manchester City breaks transfer record by signing Moroccan midfielder Bouaddi for approximately $117 million.
Manchester City confirmed on Wednesday (25) a signing that is set to shake up the European transfer market. The English club has completed the deal for the young Moroccan defensive midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, formerly of Lille, in a transaction valued at £85.6 million (approximately $117 million).
This fee sets a new all-time record for a player sale from France’s Ligue 1 to an overseas club.
Bouaddi’s performance last season for Lille and his standout participation in the World Cup, where he represented Morocco in five matches until their quarter-final elimination by France, caught the attention of several European giants.
At 18 years old, the player has signed a long-term contract with City running until 2031, signaling a major long-term investment by the Citizens.
A Dream Come True
In his first statements as a Manchester City player, Bouaddi expressed his satisfaction and ambition.
The midfielder stated:
To me, Manchester City is the best club in the world. It’s a dream to be here and to call myself a City player. I have spent most of my life working hard to become the best player I can be and to reach the pinnacle of the sport.
A Key Addition for the Citizens
The arrival of Ayyoub Bouaddi marks Manchester City’s fifth signing of the current season.
The club had previously announced the acquisitions of Elliot Anderson, Gerónimo Rulli, Jeremy Monga, and Pierce Charles, demonstrating a strategic plan to strengthen the squad in the pursuit of new trophies.
The expectation is that Bouaddi will bring youth, power, and technical quality to the midfield of the team led by Pep Guardiola, integrating into a star-studded squad.
