Manchester City weigh Ayoub Bouaddi arrival date as Rodri situation shapes Lille star’s move

Manchester City are increasingly confident of completing a deal for Lille’s highly rated midfielder Ayoub Bouaddi, but the timing of his arrival at the Etihad is set to hinge on the future of Rodri, according to reports in Europe.

Italian transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano says City believe they are in a strong position to secure the signing of the Morocco international in the coming days, with negotiations described as rapidly progressing between all parties.

Romano, writing on his official account on X, reported growing optimism inside Manchester City that a final agreement is close and that the transfer could soon be wrapped up.

The only unresolved element, he added, concerns when Bouaddi will actually join Pep Guardiola’s squad. The Premier League champions have yet to decide whether to bring the 22-year-old – one of Europe’s most talked‐about young midfielders – to Manchester this summer or to delay his move until the summer of 2027.

That decision will be directly influenced by City’s midfield departures, in particular the situation of Rodri. The Spain international has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, and any change in his status is expected to have a major bearing on when Bouaddi is integrated into the first team.

Long contract strengthens Lille’s hand

Bouaddi is regarded as one of the standout graduates of Lille’s academy and is tied to the Ligue 1 club on a long-term contract running until 30 June 2029. That lengthy deal gives Lille significant leverage in talks with potential buyers, including City.

His current market value is estimated at €80m by specialist website Transfermarkt, a sharp rise that reflects his accelerating development and his performances for Morocco at the most recent World Cup. That tournament is widely viewed as the moment he emerged as one of the brightest prospects in European football.

City’s push to secure Bouaddi is seen as part of a broader strategy to reinforce and future-proof their midfield options, with the club mindful of potential changes to their core squad over the next few seasons.

Rapid rise draws elite interest

Since stepping up from Lille’s academy to the first team, Bouaddi has made 96 senior appearances for the French side. During that time he has provided four assists, numbers which, while modest, are considered indicative of his creative potential and technical quality at a young age.

His blend of vision, composure and versatility in midfield has drawn sustained attention from leading clubs across Europe, and Lille’s strong negotiating position, combined with his long contract, is expected to make any deal complex.

Manchester City, however, are understood to be pressing ahead with their bid to secure his signature early, with the main remaining question not over whether he will join, but when he will wear the club’s colours for the first time.