Man City set to sign Morocco's Bouaddi after Rodri leaves

Manchester City are moving fast to sign Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille as they get ready for life without Rodri.

City have been talking with Lille about the 18-year-old player, and they have already agreed on personal terms. Lille is said to value Bouaddi at about £85 million (€100m).

Fabrizio Romano shared on X on Sunday that Manchester City is close to finalizing the Ayyoub Bouaddi deal with Lille after selling Rodri to Barcelona.

The agreement on personal terms happened a few days ago, and the decision is clear: Bouaddi will join now, not in 2027.

The deal has picked up speed after Manchester City agreed to sell Rodri to Barcelona for around £65 million. The Spanish player is expected to join the Catalan club after a successful seven years at the Etihad.

Bouaddi is now seen as an important part of City’s midfield rebuild. The Moroccan international played for Morocco at the 2026 World Cup and has become one of Lille’s most promising young talents. He could arrive in Manchester right away instead of staying in France for another season.

Manchester City have already spent a lot on their midfield this summer, including a club-record £116 million deal for Elliot Anderson. Manager Enzo Maresca has hinted that more signings are expected before the transfer window shuts.

With Rodri leaving for Barcelona, City are now eager to make Bouaddi their latest midfield signing and send a strong message about their new direction.