Rodri’s Barcelona move clears potential path for Manchester City to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi

Rodri has completed his transfer from Manchester City to FC Barcelona, with the Catalan club paying several tens of millions of euros for the world champion.

The move could have a direct impact on Manchester City’s interest in Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. Rodri had been expected to compete with the 19-year-old, among others, for a place in midfield. His departure to Barcelona may now leave City with a clearer opportunity to pursue Bouaddi.

Manchester City could therefore move more easily to recruit Bouaddi from Lille. However, the Premier League club must still meet the financial demands set by the French side before any move can be completed.

Lille are demanding the necessary compensation for the Morocco international, and City would have to pay the amount required to secure his transfer. The source does not specify the precise figure, but makes clear that the French club’s financial conditions remain an important factor.

Rodri’s departure changes the context around Manchester City’s midfield plans. With the Spain international no longer at the club, Bouaddi’s potential arrival would not involve competing directly with him for a place in the squad. The teenager could instead become one of the players considered for a midfield role at City.

For now, though, the move remains dependent on Manchester City reaching an agreement with Lille. Rodri’s transfer to FC Barcelona has removed one obstacle, but it has not completed Bouaddi’s potential move to England.

The 19-year-old remains contracted to Lille, while Manchester City must decide whether to meet the compensation sought by the French club. Until that requirement is satisfied, Bouaddi cannot follow Rodri through the exit door and into a new chapter of his career.

Rodri’s switch also represents a major transfer for FC Barcelona, who have secured the world champion after agreeing to pay a fee worth several tens of millions of euros. For Manchester City, the deal may instead create room for a new midfield option.

Bouaddi’s possible move now appears more attainable than before, but the final decision rests on whether City are prepared to pay Lille’s requested compensation. The club’s interest can progress only if those financial demands are met.