Ayyoub Bouaddi is scheduled to travel to Manchester on Monday, August 24, to finalize his record move to Manchester City, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Romano also reports that Bouaddi’s representatives visited the English club’s facilities several weeks ago, following extensive and closely contested negotiations.
French media outlet RMC reported on Sunday, August 23, that Lille and Manchester City had reached an agreement for the highly rated midfielder’s transfer.
Bouaddi is expected to sign a five-year contract with City, with an option for an additional year. The transfer fee is reportedly €95 million, plus €5 million in bonuses, which would constitute a record sale for Lille.
His medical examination and contract signing are scheduled for this week, according to Romano.
This transfer would also make Bouaddi the most expensive player to leave Ligue 1, surpassing Neymar, who departed Paris Saint-Germain for Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal for €90 million.
Ayyoub Bouaddi. DR
Furthermore, Bouaddi would become the most expensive Moroccan player of all time, exceeding Achraf Hakimi, who joined Paris Saint-Germain from Inter Milan in 2021 for €68 million.
The move would also position him among the most expensive teenage players in football history. Only Kylian Mbappé, who transferred from Monaco to Paris Saint-Germain for €180 million, would have commanded a higher transfer fee.
Upon completing his move, Bouaddi is expected to join City immediately. Despite reports in the British press suggesting a potential loan back to his former club, no such arrangement is planned.
