Ciaran Kelly
BBC Sport reporter

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Ayyoub Bouaddi has been studying for a mathematics degree in his spare time and previously won an oratory competition after delivering a speech at Elysee Palace.

He was always a little different.

Former coach Sofiane Khair knows that only too well after seeing Bouaddi take some of his first steps in the game at Creil.

"Ayyoub didn't have a PlayStation or a Nintendo DS," he said. "When he wasn't playing, he stayed at home reading books or doing his homework.

"He never had fast food, either. When we went to tournaments, he was the only kid who did not eat burgers or pizza.

"He's the same now as he was when he was 10."

Anyway, back to Manchester City's new teenage sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi.

Did you know that he has been studying for a mathematics degree in his spare time while playing for Lille?

If he's as quick with his feet as he is with his mental arithmetic, City could have quite the talent on their hands!

Speaking after his loan move from Chelsea to Crystal Palace was confirmed a short while ago, Axel Disasi said he was "very happy" to join a club that was moving in a "good direction".

"I think it was the right place for me to keep going," said the defender.

"I know that it's very tough to play against Palace at Selhurst Park – so I'm looking forward to being on the other side now!"

Crystal Palace have confirmed the signing of Axel Disasi from Chelsea.

The 28-year-old France international has moved to Selhurst Park on a season-long loan and will bolster the club's defence after centre-back Chadi Riad was stretchered off during Saturday's 2-0 defeat by Everton.

After falling out of favour at Chelsea, Disasi has spent time on loan at Aston Villa and West Ham in recent seasons.

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We have another completed deal to bring you from the Premier League.

This time it is Crystal Palace who have been active in the transfer market after defender Chadi Riad suffered a nasty-looking injury against Everton last weekend.

Manchester City

Manchester City's director of football, Hugo Viana said: “Ayyoub’s potential is extremely high - a player equipped with everything a top midfielder needs.

“At just 18, he already has outstanding football intelligence and that will only improve under the guidance of [City manager] Enzo [Maresca].

“We have watched him very, very closely and throughout that process we have become increasingly convinced he is a huge talent who will thrive at City.

“We are really happy he has joined us and our job now is to ensure we provide him with everything he needs to fulfil his potential.”

The Morocco international has put pen to paper on a five-year contract at the Etihad.

Image source, Manchester City

Ayyoub Bouaddi is widely-regarded as one of the world's most exciting young players.

After making his senior Lille debut three days after he turned sixteen, the Moroccan midfielder established himself as a key player and made 96 appearances for the Ligue 1 side.

Aged 18, he has already made eight senior appearances for Morocco, and attracted the attention of the world with an outstanding midfield display against Brazil at this summer's World Cup.

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Manchester City

French football journalist Djibril Diop added: "Bouaddi's trademark move is taking the ball on the half-turn and basically progressing with the ball and beating his man with a drop of the shoulder.

"You can give him the ball in tight spaces, and he will worm himself out of it.

"The reason City paid up for such a young player is because he has maturity beyond his years."

French football journalist Djibril Diop, speaking to BBC Radio Manchester:

"Ayyoub Bouaddi had one dazzling game against Brazil in the 2026 World Cup. After that, he faded a little bit.

"That's where I'm a bit cautious about how good he is right now. There's no doubt how good he will be in the future. Manchester City are paying for the potential. They are not paying for how good he is right now.

"His playing style would fit everywhere because he is a press-resistant midfielder. Once you have that durability, you can play anywhere and everywhere.

"He is suited to the Premier League, but he probably would be more suited to the Spanish league because of possession and how he operates in midfield.

"I still think he can make an impact at Manchester City, but I don't think he is going to make an immediate [one] like people think."

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Manchester City

On joining Manchester City from Lille, Ayyoub Bouaddi said: "This is a very special day for me and my family.

"Manchester City are, for me, the best club in the world. It’s a dream to be here and be able to call myself a City player. I have spent most of my life working hard to become the best player I can be and reach the top of the game.

"I've watched City for many years, and I love their style of play. City always try and play quality football. And they have shown they are winners - this club feels like it's built to win.

"The squad is world-class and Enzo is a top manager. And I’m really looking forward to playing at the Etihad Stadium, in front of all the fans.

"I have plenty of improving to do. I am only 18. I am happy with the progress I have made so far, but I also know I can improve so much. This is undoubtedly the best place for me to do that.

"This club demands trophies and I will give everything to make sure we are challenging for every title."

Manchester City have completed the signing of Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi on a five-year contract, subject to international clearance.

The 18-year-old joins in deal worth 100m euros (£85.6m). This will be an initial fee of £81.4m, plus £4.2m in add-ons.

Will Enzo Fernandez be joining him?

Chelsea

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Chelsea broke the British transfer record when they paid £106.8m for Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez in January 2023.

At the time, Fernandez was contracted at Benfica, who insisted that the playmaker would not go for less than his six-figure release clause as clubs began to circle following impressive performances at the 2022 World Cup.

The Blues made the leap and signed the 22-year-old on an eight-and-a-half year contract.

But has Fernandez lived up to his price tag?

His impact at Stamford Bridge has grown, season on season. He made just six goal contributions in his first full season in London, but scored 10 goals and made four assists in what could be final season at Chelsea.

He has also increasingly assumed leadership responsibilities at the club and worn his share of the captain's armband.

Fernandez was named in the team of the tournament as Chelsea won the Club World Cup in 2025, and scored the first of the Blues' four goals as his side came from behind to beat Real Betis in the Conference League final.

Sami Mokbel and Nizaar Kinsella

It has been a turbulent period for Enzo Fernandez at Stamford Bridge, during which he and his agent, former Paris St-Germain midfielder Javier Pastore, courted interest from Real Madrid, only for the Spanish club to issue a statement denying any attempt to sign him.

The situation has been ongoing since Chelsea were knocked out of the Champions League by Paris St-Germain in March, after which Fernandez became increasingly critical of the club.

New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso spoke in July about a private conversation he had with Fernandez but declined to disclose details of the discussion.

For Chelsea, their previous record sale was Eden Hazard's move to Real Madrid in 2019, potentially worth about £150m if performance-related add-ons were triggered.

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Sami Mokbel and Nizaar Kinsella

Enzo Fernandez maintains a positive relationship with new manager Enzo Maresca, who left Chelsea in controversial fashion on New Year's Day and moved to Etihad Stadium in June.

It could potentially be the second time Man City break their transfer record this summer, having paid £116m to recruit Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest in July.

There have also been major midfield departures, with City selling Tijani Reijnders to Saudi Arabian club Al-Quasiah for £52m, while Barcelona have signed World Cup-winning midfielder Rodri for £65m and Newcastle have agreed a £52m deal to sign Nico Gonzalez.

Earlier this summer, Bernardo Silva also left on a free to join Real Madrid.

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Sami Mokbel and Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport

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Manchester City are set to make an opening offer for priority midfield target Enzo Fernandez.

The Argentina international, 25, has been identified by manager Enzo Maresca as a player who can bring quality to his midfield after a series of high-profile exits.

Chelsea are aware of City's interest and set an unofficial deadline for the deal to be completed earlier this summer at a minimum fee of £120m.

More to follow.