SpotlightBBC SportUnverified source· 8 Sept 2026
Bouaddi shines on first City start, easing Rodri fears
At 18, Bouaddi's composed display against Porto shows why City paid £86m for him.
A. Bouaddi
player
Age
18 years 341 days
Position
Midfielder
Club
Manchester City
Transfer fee
£86m
Key stat
Fourth-youngest City starter in Champions League
What happened. Ayyoub Bouaddi made his first Manchester City start in a 2-0 Champions League win over Porto, delivering a mature midfield performance that impressed pundits.
- City signed Bouaddi from Lille for £86m, a Premier League record for a teenager.
- He had two substitute appearances before this start.
- Pat Nevin praised him as 'absolutely born to do it'.
“His age, his game – he looks absolutely born to do it.”
— Pat Nevin
Bouaddi's display suggests City may cope without Rodri, who left the club.
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