Ayyoub Bouaddi is settling into life at Manchester City with confidence, humility and a clear ambition to keep improving. Despite the pressure that comes with his record-breaking transfer, the young Moroccan midfielder is relishing his first months with the Premier League champions.
Speaking to Manchester City's official channel, the talented youngster reflected on his early experiences at the club, his growing confidence and the footballing icon who inspired his development.
- “I’m really enjoying myself. I’ve really enjoyed my start. Manchester City is a different club. I’m very happy. I just want to improve, play better and give everything for this badge,” he explained.
Those words reflect a player focused less on the attention surrounding his arrival and more on making the most of an opportunity at one of Europe's biggest clubs.
A Record-Breaking Move to Manchester City
Bouaddi officially joined Manchester City from Lille on August 26, 2026, in a deal reportedly worth €95 million plus €5 million in bonuses.
The transfer initially made him the most expensive player in Ligue 1 history, although that record has since been surpassed by Bradley Barcola.
For a young midfielder making such a significant move, expectations were inevitably high. Yet his early performances have offered encouraging signs that he can handle the demands of elite European football.
Despite Manchester City's 4-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, the Moroccan impressed with his composure and technical quality against top-level opposition.
He subsequently continued to make his mark in the Premier League, featuring in City's thrilling 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town.
Those performances have strengthened the case for giving the youngster more opportunities in important fixtures.
Andrés Iniesta: The Legend Who Inspired Bouaddi
When asked which player had influenced him the most, the Moroccan international pointed to Andrés Iniesta, one of the finest midfielders of his generation.
- “I followed Andrés Iniesta the most. I didn't have the opportunity to watch him play many matches live, but what little I saw was sensational. I grew up watching compilations on YouTube, so I watched him a lot,” Bouaddi revealed.
The admiration is fitting for a midfielder whose game is built around composure, technical ability and intelligent movement.
Iniesta became a footballing icon through his exceptional close control, awareness in tight spaces and ability to dictate the rhythm of matches. His performances for Barcelona and Spain established him as a reference point for generations of young midfielders.
For Bouaddi, studying those highlights offered a way to learn from a player whose understanding of the game went far beyond scoring goals or providing assists.
Now developing under Manchester City's demanding footballing environment, the youngster has an opportunity to continue refining those qualities while establishing his own identity on the pitch.
A Midfielder First, With the Versatility to Adapt
Bouaddi also addressed his preferred position, making it clear that midfield remains his natural home, despite having experience in several defensive roles.
- “I've always been a midfielder. I've played centre-back before, and I even played right-back last season, but I'm primarily a midfielder. If I weren't playing in midfield, I would be a right-back,” he explained.
That versatility could prove valuable at Manchester City, where tactical flexibility and positional intelligence are essential.
His experience across different positions has given him a broader understanding of defensive responsibilities, while his preference for midfield reflects where he believes he can make his greatest contribution.
With regular opportunities in high-pressure matches, Bouaddi now has the chance to demonstrate that he can become a reliable presence in the heart of City's midfield.
Aston Villa Next as Bouaddi Looks to Build Momentum
Manchester City's next challenge is a Premier League meeting with Aston Villa on Saturday, October 24, with kick-off scheduled for 11:30 a.m. local time, according to the supplied report.
Bouaddi could be in contention for another start as he looks to maintain his encouraging beginning in English football.
Every appearance represents another opportunity to adapt to the pace of the Premier League, gain experience and demonstrate why Manchester City invested so heavily in his potential.
At a young age, the Moroccan midfielder is already competing on some of football's biggest stages. His admiration for Iniesta reveals the kind of player he studies, while his own performances are beginning to shape a story of their own.