Manchester City turn to Ayyoub Bouaddi as Rodri’s Barcelona move nears

Manchester City are closing in on a deal for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, with the 18-year-old Morocco international expected to arrive during the current summer transfer window.

City have identified Bouaddi as their preferred midfield addition as they prepare for the possible departure of Rodri, who is reportedly set to join Barcelona. Reports in recent days have suggested that an agreement for the Spain international’s move to the Catalan club has already been reached, with only the official announcement still to come.

The potential change in midfield has prompted Manchester City to act quickly. The club are now working to complete a deal for Bouaddi, who has emerged as one of Lille’s leading players and was among the standout members of Morocco’s squad at the 2026 World Cup.

Morocco reached the quarter-finals of that tournament, with Bouaddi playing a notable role in the team’s campaign. His performances have helped establish him as one of the most sought-after young midfielders in European football.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, who specialises in transfer news, said Manchester City are preparing to finalise the signing after Rodri’s sale to Barcelona.

Writing on X, Romano said: “An agreement has been reached on personal terms days ago, and the decision has already been made: Bouaddi will join the team now, not in 2027.”

The wording indicates that Manchester City intend to bring Bouaddi into their squad immediately rather than leave the teenager at Lille until a later date. Personal terms were reportedly agreed several days ago, while the remaining work is focused on completing the transfer between the two clubs.

Recent reports have valued the proposed move at more than 100m euros, which would make Bouaddi a significant investment for Manchester City despite his age.

The Lille midfielder is therefore positioned to become part of City’s plans for the new season, at a time when the club are preparing for the possibility of losing Rodri. The Spain international’s expected move to Barcelona remains subject to formal confirmation, but reports that the deal has been completed have shaped City’s approach in the transfer market.

Bouaddi’s arrival would provide Manchester City with a new option in midfield and mark the latest stage in the teenager’s rapid rise. He has moved from being a highly rated Lille player to a leading target for one of Europe’s biggest clubs after his involvement in Morocco’s run to the last eight of the 2026 World Cup.

For now, the transfer is understood to be approaching its conclusion, with Manchester City aiming to secure Bouaddi’s move from Lille for the start of the next campaign.