The Premier League club will pay an initial fee of approximately €95 million (£81.4 million), with up to €5 million in potential add-ons. Bouaddi is set to sign a five-year contract, with an option for an additional year.
Midfield Rebuild Continues
The signing forms part of City’s efforts to strengthen their midfield following the departures of Rodri to Barcelona and Tijjani Reijnders to Al-Qadsiah. The teenager is expected to provide both defensive stability and progressive quality in the centre of the pitch.
Bouaddi has already agreed personal terms and is expected to travel to Manchester in the coming days to complete his medical and finalise the move. He was left out of Lille’s Ligue 1 squad for their match against Angers as the transfer neared completion.
World Cup Breakthrough
The 18-year-old impressed during the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Morocco, starting five of their six matches as the Atlas Lions reached the quarter-finals. His performances on the global stage significantly raised his profile and accelerated interest from several leading European clubs.
Bouaddi made his Lille debut in October 2023, just three days after his 16th birthday, becoming one of the youngest players to feature in European competition. He has since accumulated close to 90 first-team appearances for the French club and helped them finish third in Ligue 1 last season.
Record-Breaking Transfer
The deal is set to make Bouaddi the most expensive teenage signing in Premier League history, surpassing previous high-profile moves involving young players. For Lille, the transfer represents a record sale and one of the largest fees received by a Ligue 1 club for a departure to a foreign league.
City have already invested heavily in midfield this window, notably with the high-value arrival of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. Bouaddi’s addition further underlines the club’s commitment to securing young, high-potential talent capable of contributing immediately and developing into long-term key players.
The formalities of the transfer are expected to be completed in the coming days, after which Bouaddi will begin his adaptation to life at the Etihad Stadium under manager Enzo Maresca.