Premier League giants Manchester City set sights on Moroccan star Bouaddi as replacement for departing midfielder Rodri

Manchester City are nearing a deal to acquire the services of Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, as the club prepares for a future without Rodri, with negotiations between City and Lille having already led to an agreement on personal terms for the 18-year-old. The French club has placed a valuation of around £85 million (€100m) on Bouaddi.

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Fabrizio Romano recently stated on X that Manchester City are now poised to finalize the Ayyoub Bouaddi deal with Lille, following the sale of Rodri to Barcelona, with the agreement on personal terms having been reached days ago.

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The decision to bring in Bouaddi has been made, with the move expected to happen immediately, rather than being delayed until 2027, as the club looks to rebuild its midfield with the Moroccan international as a key component.

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The pace of the deal has accelerated in the wake of Manchester City's agreement to sell Rodri to Barcelona for a fee of around £65 million, marking the end of the Spain international's seven-year stint at the Etihad.

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As one of Lille's most highly rated young players, Bouaddi has gained recognition for his performances, including his appearance for Morocco at the 2026 World Cup, and is now set to join Manchester City, potentially arriving in the city immediately.

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Manchester City have already invested heavily in their midfield this summer, including a club-record £116 million deal for Elliot Anderson, and manager Enzo Maresca has indicated that further additions are expected before the transfer window closes.

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With Rodri's departure to Barcelona imminent, City are now focusing on making Bouaddi their latest midfield signing, a move that would be one of the biggest statements of their new era, as they look to rebuild and strengthen their squad.