Alan Smith believes new Man City signing Ayyoub Bouaddi has to prepare himself for a “big step up” following his move from Lille.

The 18-year-old’s arrival at the Etihad was officially announced on Wednesday, with the Cityzens set to pay upwards of €100m (£85.7m) for the player.

Speaking exclusively to Man City News (courtesy of Best Betting Sites UK), Smith was asked whether Bouaddi can make an immediate impact at the Etihad and replied:

“Some players don’t need time, but he’s only 18 and has limited experience really, with a couple of seasons at Lille in France. Obviously, it’s a big step up to the Premier League, but he is talented.”

“It’ll be interesting to see how that goes and whether he can hit the ground running. But he’s a long-term signing, and he’s got new teammates to get used to. Perhaps it’s not going to click straight away. It’ll be a learning process, but it’s a good signing for City.”

Bouaddi has big shoes to fill

It’s asking a lot of a teenager with no experience of English football to replace Rodri, but there will be a lot of expectation placed on his shoulders due to his price tag.

Bouaddi is a holding midfielder, so unlike Elliot Anderson and (another potential new signing) Enzo Fernandez, his game is most similar to the former Ballon d’Or winner.

Man City are putting a lot of faith in him

In addition to Rodri, the club have also decided to offload two other midfielders – Tijjani Reijnders and Nico Gonzalez – who have a lot more experience than Bouaddi.

It does demonstrate how highly they rate the Moroccan international, considering they were willing to sell these players in order to make room for him.

As Smith points out, it will be a “learning process” for Bouaddi, but he will be expected to perform to a good level right from the off.

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