A historic transfer
On Wednesday, August 26, 2026, Manchester City officially announced the signing of Ayyoub Bouaddi, the 19-year-old French midfielder who played for Lille OSC. According to French newspaper Le Monde, this deal is the most expensive transfer abroad for a Ligue 1 player in history, surpassing all previous records.
Bouaddi, born in Senlis, France, on August 2, 2007, has been one of European football's brightest revelations in recent years. At just 16, he made his Ligue 1 debut with Lille, becoming the youngest player to feature in France's top flight for the club. His rise has been meteoric, and now he makes the leap to the Premier League with one of the world's most powerful clubs.
“It's a dream come true. I'm very happy to join a club as big as Manchester City. I want to keep growing and help the team achieve great things.”
The record fee
Although the English club has not officially revealed the amount, Le Monde reports that the operation is around 80 million euros, a figure that surpasses the previous record for a Ligue 1 player moving abroad, held by Nicolas Pépé when he joined Arsenal in 2019 for 80 million euros. However, Bouaddi, at 19, surpasses any other French player who has left the French league in terms of potential and market value.
The transfer also includes variables and bonuses that could raise the final figure to 100 million euros, according to sources close to the negotiation cited by the French outlet. This would make it the most expensive signing in Manchester City's history, surpassing the 100 million pounds paid for Jack Grealish in 2021.
Context and projection
Bouaddi, a France U-21 international, has been compared to great midfielders like Paul Pogba or Eduardo Camavinga for his ball recovery, vision, and excellent technique. In the 2025-2026 season, he played 34 matches for Lille, scoring 4 goals and providing 7 assists, numbers that caught the attention of City's scouts.
Manchester City, managed by Pep Guardiola, aims to rejuvenate its midfield and sees Bouaddi as the natural successor to Kevin De Bruyne, who at 35 is in the final years of his career. With this addition, the English club reinforces its commitment to young talent, following the line of signings like Erling Haaland or Julián Álvarez.
Reactions and expectations
Lille, for its part, has issued an official statement thanking Bouaddi for his dedication and wishing him success in his new chapter. The French club, which had already sold talents like Victor Osimhen or Rafael Leão, once again demonstrates its ability to develop young prospects and monetize them in the market.
City fans have received the news with enthusiasm, and social media has been flooded with messages of support for the young Frenchman. Supporters hope Bouaddi becomes a key piece in midfield, bringing freshness and quality to Guardiola's squad.
The player will join the English club's ranks after the international break, and he is expected to make his debut in the sky blue shirt in the next Premier League match against Arsenal, scheduled for September 13, 2026.
With this signing, Manchester City not only strengthens its squad but also sends a clear message to the rest of Europe: it remains one of the most attractive destinations for young football talents worldwide.