Manchester: English club Manchester City announced on Wednesday the signing of Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille. The 18-year-old signed a five-year contract with the Citizens. He particularly stood out during the 2026 World Cup with the Atlas Lions, starting in five of the six fixtures played by Morocco, which reached the quarterfinals.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Bouaddi expressed his excitement about joining Manchester City, stating, “This is a very special day for me and my family. Manchester City are, for me, the best club in the world. It’s a dream to be here and to be able to call myself a City player.” He further added, “I’ve spent most of my life working hard to become the best player I can be and reach the top of the game.”

Bouaddi will join a revamped midfield, as City has already signed English international Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. Bouaddi’s signing comes following the departure of Brazilian winger Savinho, who joined Tottenham earlier this week.