Manchester City secure record €100m signing as Rodri replacement

Manchester City have made an Official signing of 18‑year‑old Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, confirming the deal at midday on Wednesday as they look to replace Rodri after his move to FC Barcelona. The English club said the €100 million fee reflects the youngster’s World Cup performances.

The English club announced the signing at midday on Wednesday, branding the move as Official. Ayyoub Bouaddi, the Moroccan international midfielder, completed his transfer from Lille. City confirmed the paperwork was filed with the Premier League.

Rodri's recent departure to FC Barcelona opened a vacancy in Manchester City's midfield. Bouaddi is being positioned as one of the replacements for the Spanish midfielder.

The transfer is reported as the biggest sale in Ligue 1 history to a foreign league. Bouaddi leaves Lille, his boyhood club, after 96 appearances.

He burst onto the world stage this summer, wearing the Morocco shirt at the World Cup.

Despite being only 18, Bouaddi has already amassed 96 appearances for LOSC. All of those matches were played before his transfer to Manchester City.