Man City sign £85.6m midfielder Bouaddi from Lille

Manchester City have reached an agreement with French club Lille for the transfer of Morocco international midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, in a deal worth £85.6m. Of that total, £81.4m will be paid upfront, with a further £4.2m due in add-ons depending on certain conditions.

The 18-year-old has signed a five-year contract with the club, though the move remains subject to international clearance.

Replacing a reshuffled midfield

Enzo Maresca's side pursued Bouaddi after losing several central midfielders over the summer. Rodri departed for Barcelona in a £65m deal, Tijjani Reinders moved to Al-Qadsiah for £52m, and Nico Gonzalez joined Newcastle in a deal that could rise to £52m.

Bouaddi drew attention this summer with his performances at the World Cup, starting five of Morocco's six matches as the team reached the quarter-finals. He had already established himself as a key player for Lille in France's Ligue 1.

Following the announcement, the young midfielder said it was a very special day for him and his family, describing Manchester City as the best club in the world for him. He said he had spent most of his life working hard to become the best player he could be and to reach the top level of the game. Bouaddi added that he had followed City for many years and admired their style of play, saying the club always aims to play quality football and has shown itself to be built for winning.