CORNERFLICK
Manchester City’s move for Ayoub Bouaddi has made the 18-year-old the most expensive under-18 player in football history. The deal is worth €95 million up front and could reach €100 million if bonuses are triggered.
Fee eclipses previous record
The transfer comfortably beats the previous benchmark set by Leny Yoro, who joined Manchester United from Lille in 2024 for about €62 million.
Bouaddi rose to prominence through his performances for Lille and his displays for Morocco at the 2026 World Cup. After weeks of talks, City agreed a permanent fee of €95 million plus a possible €5 million in add-ons, with the midfielder signing a contract running until 2031.
Lille land major sale
The move is also one of the biggest sales in Ligue 1 history. Lille have secured a record fee for a teenager, while City have made a major investment in a player they see as part of their future midfield.
Bouaddi now faces the challenge of establishing himself in one of Europe’s most crowded and competitive midfield units.