Manchester City target Ayoub Bouaddi pushes for Lille transfer as Rodri future remains uncertain

Manchester City are closing in on a deal for Morocco international Ayoub Bouaddi after the midfielder agreed personal terms with the English club, with the move potentially paving the way for Rodri to join Barcelona.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported on X on Monday that City are preparing to complete negotiations with French club Lille, with discussions between the two sides already at an advanced stage.

The next step is for Manchester City and Lille to reach a final agreement over the transfer fee. If that is achieved, the deal could be concluded in the coming days and would represent a major step forward in the career of the highly rated Moroccan player.

Bouaddi is understood to be especially keen on moving to Manchester City immediately. Romano said the player does not want to wait until 2027, underlining his desire to begin his spell in England as soon as possible.

The move would see Bouaddi join the runners-up in the Premier League after attracting significant attention during the 2026 World Cup. He made a particular impression in Morocco’s opening match, a 1-1 draw with Brazil, where his performance helped establish him as one of the tournament’s players to watch.

That display appears to have increased interest from several leading European clubs, but Manchester City have now moved into a strong position by reaching agreement with the player over his personal terms.

Rodri’s Barcelona links

Bouaddi’s possible arrival could also have an impact on Rodri’s future at Manchester City. Speculation has intensified over a potential move for the Spain midfielder to Barcelona, after he had initially been considered a possible target for Real Madrid.

City’s interest in Bouaddi suggests the club may be preparing for a change in the make-up of its midfield. The young Moroccan could become a potential replacement for Rodri if the Spanish international leaves.

No final agreement has yet been announced between Manchester City and Lille, and the financial details of the transfer still need to be settled. However, the advanced state of the negotiations, combined with Bouaddi’s desire to move now, has placed the deal close to completion.

For Lille, the transfer would mark the departure of one of the most closely watched young players in European football. For Bouaddi, it would offer the opportunity to continue his development at a Premier League club and join a side that finished second in England’s top flight.

The proposed move comes at a significant point in both players’ careers. Bouaddi’s emergence on the international stage has accelerated his prospects, while uncertainty around Rodri has created the possibility of a substantial midfield transition at Manchester City.

The outcome now depends on whether City and Lille can settle the final transfer fee. If they do, Bouaddi could complete his move within the next few days, while Rodri’s possible switch to Barcelona would become an increasingly prominent part of the wider story.