What happened. Ayyoub Bouaddi has joined Manchester City for £85m and is tasked with replacing Rodri, the world's best central midfielder, at just 18 years old.

He made his European debut three days after his 16th birthday.
He has played three full seasons in Lille's first team.
He passed his exams a year early and is studying for a degree.

“He's like a computer. You teach him something, he learns it and can do it immediately.”
— Mathieu Frison

Bouaddi will face a steep learning curve in the Premier League, but his rapid development suggests he can handle the pressure.

In this story

A. Bouaddi

Manchester City

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