Ayyoub Bouaddi: Man City midfielder impresses on first start for the club
Manchester City's new 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi impressed in his first Champions League start following his record-breaking £86m transfer. His mature performance has drawn praise from pundits and manager Enzo Maresca, suggesting he may successfully fill the void left by Rodri.
Why it matters
The high-profile signing of a teenager for a record fee highlights the intense financial competition and scouting pressure in elite European football.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Ayyoub Bouaddi became the fourth-youngest player to start a Champions League match for Manchester City
Manchester City reporter Published 8 September 2026 Ayyoub Bouaddi belied his age with a mature Champions League performance on his first Manchester City start to showcase why the club were so intent on signing the 18-year-old.
The midfielder took centre stage for Morocco at this summer's World Cup and City spent £86m to sign him from Lille, making him the most expensive teenager in Premier League history.
And after two substitute appearances for City, he was handed his first start against Porto and did not look out of place during the 2-0 victory.
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11 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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