City’s £81.4m gamble: Maresca eyes Bouaddi as Rodri replacement

Manchester City are set to complete the signing of Moroccan teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi for an initial £81.4 million, a deal confirmed on 23 August 2026. The 18‑year‑old, who shone at the World Cup, arrives hours before the Premier League opener against Bournemouth and fulfills Enzo Maresca’s urgent call for a Rodri replacement.

The agreement includes an initial £81 million fee with a further £4.3 million in performance‑related bonuses, ending protracted negotiations with Lille. City will finalize the transfer hours before their season‑opening match against Bournemouth.

Midfield void after Rodri’s exit

Enzo Maresca has identified the need for a direct replacement for Rodri, who departed for Barcelona. The midfield also feels the loss of Bernardo Silva, who left on a free transfer to Real Madrid, leaving the side looking light in the centre of the park.

Manchester City have already spent around £200 million this summer, reflecting an aggressive recruitment strategy. The club expects a busy final week of the transfer window as it seeks to add further quality.

Maresca told reporters on Friday that he is targeting roughly 20 senior outfield players to rebuild the squad. With Omar Marmoush moving to Tottenham and Newcastle United still negotiating for Nico Gonzalez, the demand for additional bodies remains acute.

Bouaddi: World Cup flash and Premier League debut

Despite being only 18, Bouaddi has already amassed close to a hundred professional appearances and lit up the World Cup over the summer. He was pulled from Morocco’s match with Angers today to travel for his medical ahead of the move.

Lille had hoped to retain the midfielder for their campaign, but City pushed for an immediate transfer, securing his registration straight away. The English club is also monitoring Palmeiras winger Allan as another potential addition.

The arrival of Bouaddi gives Maresca an immediate midfield option and signals City’s willingness to invest heavily to remain competitive. For the Moroccan teenager, the deal provides a fast‑track entry into the Premier League and a platform to develop further. The report was compiled by JACK GAUGHAN and SIMON JONES.