sports
Ayyoub Bouaddi: maths student, chess fan and Manchester City’s new Rodri
The £85m midfielder passed his exams a year early, is studying for a degree and is ready to tackle Premier League learning curve
TL;DR
- Ayyoub Bouaddi, 18, joins Manchester City for €100m (£85.7m) to replace Rodri.
- He is described as a quick learner, similar to a computer, by former Lille head of academy recruitment Mathieu Frison.
- Bouaddi made his European debut at 16 and has three full seasons of first-team experience with Lille.
- He is also academically gifted, passing exams a year early, studying mathematics remotely, and speaking English.
- Coaches praise his intelligence, tactical understanding, and ability to adapt quickly to different environments and roles.
- Bouaddi represented France from under-16 to under-21 levels.
- Despite his youth, he has significant experience, including playing against Real Madrid in the Champions League at 17.