Ayyoub Bouaddi's remarkable rise appears ready to reach another spectacular milestone.
British media have reported that Manchester City have reached an agreement with Lille for the Moroccan midfielder, with the transfer potentially reaching around £85 million (€100 million) including add-ons.
For a player who only recently emerged as one of Morocco's brightest young talents, the proposed move represents another extraordinary step onto football's biggest stage.
A Record-Breaking Transfer
According to The Times, the agreement is worth £85 million in total, including £81 million guaranteed and £4 million in potential bonuses.
Bouaddi is reportedly set to sign a five-year contract with the possibility of an additional season, subject to completing his medical and the remaining formalities.
The Guardian has also reported an agreement worth up to €100 million, adding that the 18-year-old was absent from Lille's match against Angers as preparations for his medical and transfer accelerated.
A New Premier League Record
The reported transfer fee would place Bouaddi in the history books before he has even played his first Premier League match.
According to The Times, the Moroccan would become the most expensive teenager in Premier League history, surpassing the previous record set by Leny Yoro's move to Manchester United for £59 million.
It would be another extraordinary recognition of the midfielder's rapid development.
From Lille Breakthrough to World Cup Spotlight
Bouaddi's rise accelerated dramatically during his breakthrough season with Lille before he stepped onto the global stage with Morocco at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The young midfielder started five of Morocco's six matches at the tournament, playing an important role as the Atlas Lions reached the quarterfinals for the second consecutive World Cup.
His maturity, composure, and technical quality at such a young age attracted attention far beyond France.
Manchester Calling
Manchester City's interest comes as the club looks to reshape its midfield options.
With Rodri reportedly moving to Barcelona and Tijjani Reijnders also leaving, City have been strengthening the department, while the club has already invested heavily in Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson.
Bouaddi's potential arrival would add another exciting young profile to the midfield project.
Morocco's Golden Generation Keeps Rising
The reported transfer is bigger than one player's journey.
It represents another powerful moment for Moroccan football, with the country's golden generation continuing to establish itself among Europe's elite after years of investment in youth development.
From the Mohammed VI Football Academy to Lille, the Moroccan national team and now potentially Manchester City, Bouaddi's journey is becoming a symbol of how far Moroccan talent can dream.
The World Cup introduced Ayyoub Bouaddi to the world. Manchester could now become the stage where Morocco's teenage sensation takes his next giant leap.