Manchester City are in advanced discussions with Lille for the transfer of 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. The Premier League club is aiming to finalize the deal this week after agreeing to sell Rodri to FC Barcelona.

Lille’s management values the young player at €100 million, approximately £85.6 million. Bouaddi made a strong impression at the World Cup this summer, featuring in five of Morocco’s six matches as they reached the quarter-finals. His standout performance in Lille’s Champions League victory over Real Madrid in 2024 had already showcased his talent on the international stage. Described as a "maestro," the midfielder would complement the profile of new signing Elliot Anderson, who can play as a box-to-box midfielder or as a defensive midfielder (number six). Bouaddi has already made 88 appearances for Lille since his debut in October 2023—just three days after his 16th birthday—and played a key role in the club’s third-place finish in Ligue 1 last season.

Rodri leaves City for Barcelona

Rodri, captain of the Spanish national team, is set to join FC Barcelona in the coming days for a fee of £65 million. The Spanish international midfielder, winner of the 2024 Ballon d’Or, made 298 appearances for Manchester City since arriving from Atlético Madrid in 2019 for a British record fee of £62.8 million. Despite injuries to his knee and hamstrings disrupting parts of the 2024-25 season and the previous one, he returned to top form at the World Cup this summer, leading Spain to their second world title and being named the tournament’s best player. Could a potential deal for Bouaddi impact Manchester City’s interest in Enzo Fernández, currently at Chelsea FC? According to sources close to the situation, manager Enzo Maresca remains keen on the Argentine midfielder. Chelsea has set a deadline of Friday to finalize Fernández’s move to Manchester City.

A meteoric rise for Bouaddi

Ayyoub Bouaddi quickly confirmed his status as a prodigy. He became Lille's youngest-ever player to wear the club's shirt in a senior match just days after turning 16 in 2023. On his 17th birthday, he was celebrated by supporters after helping Lille defeat Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League. He then broke Eden Hazard's record by becoming the youngest player to reach 50 Ligue 1 appearances at just 18 years old. His journey, marked by standout performances against more experienced opponents, highlights his early maturity. "He's the professor," was heard regarding his role on the pitch, where he sets the tempo with remarkable tactical vision. His technical profile and ability to control the game make him an ideal potential signing for City, complementing the other midfielders in the squad. As Manchester City continues to strengthen its squad, the possible arrival of Bouaddi fits into a strategy of renewal and forward planning, following Rodri's imminent departure. The club is banking on young talent to ensure a smooth generational transition while maintaining a competitive edge in England and Europe.