Manchester City have stepped up negotiations with Lille over a potential transfer for highly rated Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi as Enzo Maresca looks to strengthen his midfield following Rodri’s imminent departure.
The Premier League side are keen to conclude a deal for the 18-year-old this week, having identified him as a potential replacement for Rodri, who is set to join Barcelona in a transfer worth around £65 million.
Lille are understood to value Bouaddi at around pound 100 million (£85.6 million), although reports suggest City could ultimately pay as much as pound 129 million for the promising midfielder.
The deal is expected to progress further once Rodri completes his move to Barcelona.
Bouaddi emerges as Rodri’s replacement
Bouaddi has emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting young midfielders after making his Lille debut in October 2023, just three days after his 16th birthday.
He has since established himself as an important member of the French club’s first team, making more than 90 appearances across all competitions.
Last season, Bouaddi featured 42 times for Lille and helped the club finish third in Ligue 1.
The midfielder also made a strong impression at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, starting five of Morocco’s six matches as they reached the quarter-finals.
His performances at the tournament further enhanced his reputation following his breakthrough display in Lille’s Champions League victory over Real Madrid in 2024.
City step up pursuit
Manchester City are attracted to Bouaddi’s composure under pressure, tactical intelligence and ball-carrying ability.
The teenager primarily operates as a deep-lying midfielder and could complement summer signing Elliot Anderson, who is capable of playing both as a box-to-box midfielder and in the deeper No. 6 position.
Bouaddi remains under contract with Lille until 2029, while Transfermarkt values the Morocco international at around pound 80 million.
City have also been linked with Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, but the London club’s valuation would make a deal for the Argentina international significantly more expensive.
For now, Bouaddi has emerged as City’s preferred midfield target as the club prepares for life without Rodri.