Manchester City reach agreement with Ayyoub Bouaddi as Rodri replacement search begins

Manchester City have reportedly reached an agreement with Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi as they prepare for the possible departure of Rodri to FC Barcelona.

The Manchester club are already working on plans to replace Rodri, whose potential move to FC Barcelona has prompted City to accelerate their search for a new midfielder.

Fabrizio Romano reports that City have reached an agreement with Bouaddi. The understanding is with the player, while negotiations with Lille are still required before any transfer can be completed.

Bouaddi is also said to favour a move to Manchester City during the summer transfer window. That preference gives the English club an encouraging starting point, but it does not yet represent a completed deal between all parties.

Lille remain central to the next stage of the process. City must now reach an agreement with the French club over the midfielder’s transfer before Bouaddi can move to Manchester.

The reported agreement with the Morocco international means City have made progress in their efforts to identify a replacement for Rodri. However, the situation remains dependent on discussions between the clubs.

Rodri’s possible departure for FC Barcelona is therefore shaping City’s activity in the transfer market. The club are seeking to address the midfield position, with Bouaddi emerging as the player they have reportedly chosen to pursue.

Although Bouaddi would prefer a move to Manchester City this summer, Lille’s position must still be resolved. Until an agreement is reached with the club, the transfer remains at the stage of negotiations rather than confirmation.

The latest information, as reported by Romano, is that City and Bouaddi have found common ground. The outstanding issue is an agreement with Lille, which will determine whether the proposed move can go ahead.

For now, City’s interest in Bouaddi is directly linked to the uncertainty surrounding Rodri and his possible transfer to FC Barcelona. The Premier League club have begun preparing for that eventuality, but their plans still require progress in talks with Lille.