Manchester City push to secure €100m-rated Lille midfielder Bouaddi

Manchester City are in advanced negotiations with Lille over a deal for Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, with the English club eager to complete the transfer this week after agreeing to let Rodri join Barcelona.

Lille value Bouaddi, who is 18, at about €100m as interest in the young Morocco international continues to grow across Europe. City’s move has accelerated following the agreement over Rodri’s departure, with the Premier League club seeking a swift replacement in midfield.

According to BB Sport, negotiations between City and Lille have reached an advanced stage. Bouaddi’s versatility is understood to be a major attraction, with the teenager able to operate as an attacking midfielder and take on a variety of roles across the centre of the pitch.

He made a strong impression at the most recent World Cup, starting five of Morocco’s six matches as they reached the quarter-finals. His involvement underlined his ability to perform at the highest level despite his age.

Bouaddi has already built considerable first-team experience with Lille. Since making his debut in October 2023, only days after turning 16, he has made 88 appearances for the French club. He also played a part in Lille’s third-place finish in Ligue 1 last season.

One of the defining moments of his early career came in Lille’s Champions League meeting with Real Madrid in 2024. Bouaddi produced an eye-catching display in that match, helping raise his profile on the European stage.

He has continued to set records for Lille. Bouaddi became the youngest player in the club’s history to reach 50 Ligue 1 appearances, surpassing the previous mark held by Belgium international Eden Hazard.

City’s pursuit of Bouaddi comes as Rodri’s seven-year spell at the club appears close to ending. The Spain midfielder is set to join Barcelona in a transfer worth approximately £65m, with the move expected to involve a four-year contract.

Rodri has played 298 matches for Manchester City since arriving from Atletico de Madrid in 2019 for £62.8m. During his time at the Etihad Stadium, he helped the club win a number of major honours, including the UEFA Champions League and the Premier League.

The proposed move to Barcelona would bring to a close one of the most successful periods of Rodri’s career. His departure would also leave City needing to adjust their midfield options, which has prompted their interest in Bouaddi.

Manchester City are also monitoring the situation of Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez. However, sources familiar with the matter indicate that Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca remains strongly interested in keeping Fernandez.

That situation could make the outcome of the Bouaddi negotiations important to City’s wider transfer plans. Should the club complete the deal for the Lille midfielder, it may influence whether they pursue further additions in midfield.