Man City in advance talks for £85m Morocco star Bouaddi
Manchester City have opened advanced negotiations with Lille over a potential £85 million move for Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.
The Premier League champions are keen to complete the deal this week as they prepare for the departure of Rodri to Barcelona.
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Lille are understood to value the 18-year-old at around €100 million (£85.6m), making him one of the most expensive teenage midfielders in European football.
Bouaddi emerges as Rodri replacement
City have accelerated their pursuit of Bouaddi after reaching an agreement for Rodri to join Barcelona.
The Morocco international impressed during this summer’s World Cup, starting five of his country’s six matches as they reached the quarter-finals.
His emergence on the European stage began earlier, with his performance in Lille’s Champions League victory over Real Madrid in 2024 attracting significant attention.
Bouaddi operates primarily as a deep-lying midfielder, where his ability to dictate play could make him a potential successor to Rodri.
His profile could also complement new signing Elliot Anderson, who can operate as a box-to-box midfielder or in a deeper role.
Bouaddi has already accumulated 88 appearances for Lille since making his senior debut in October 2023, just days after his 16th birthday.
He also helped the French club finish third in Ligue 1 last season.
Rodri set for Barcelona exit
Rodri is expected to complete his £65 million transfer to Barcelona on a four-year contract in the coming days.
The Spain captain joined City from Atletico Madrid in 2019 for a then club-record £62.8 million and went on to make 298 appearances during seven trophy-filled seasons.
The 30-year-old missed much of the 2024/25 campaign after suffering a serious knee injury, while a hamstring problem disrupted parts of the following season.
He returned to his best level at the World Cup, helping Spain win the tournament and receiving the Player of the Tournament award.
City’s pursuit of Bouaddi could also have implications for their interest in Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
However, sources indicate that manager Enzo Maresca remains keen on the Argentina international despite City’s efforts to strengthen their midfield with the highly rated Bouaddi.