Man City chase Ayyoub Bouaddi as Enzo Maresca plans post‑Rodri era

Manchester City are on the verge of sealing an £85 million transfer for 18‑year‑old Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi, the Lille midfielder, as Enzo Maresca prepares the club for life after Spain captain Rodri’s pending move to Barcelona, reported on 15 August 2026 in the Premier League.

City's premium bid for Bouaddi

Published: 21:28, 15 August 2026 | Updated: 21:28, 15 August 2026. Manchester City are close to concluding talks for Lille’s £85million‑rated midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi as Barcelona press to sign Rodri.

Bouaddi, the 18‑year‑old Morocco international, started on the bench for Lille in their friendly at Everton on Saturday and coach Davide Ancelotti confirmed negotiations.

Lille have been fighting to keep the midfielder for one more season, but City and the player want to seal a move now, which is expected to come at a premium.

"Of course, there are negotiations," admitted Ancelotti. "There is interest from so many clubs. He is a really, really good player and I hope that he is going to stay with us!" "He is incredibly intelligent on and off the pitch, he is really mature. He is 18‑years‑old but he looks like he is 32 when he is on the pitch." "He’s going to be one of the best midfielders in Europe for the next 10 years."

The teenager's arrival at City would help offset the loss of Spain captain Rodri, who is set on a move to Barcelona. The Spanish champions have made a third proposal worth around £60m for the 30‑year‑old and hope City agree on a compromise to sell.

City maintain an interest in midfielder Enzo Fernandez despite Chelsea's Friday deadline passing without the necessary £120m bid being made. Tottenham are also expected to make an offer for City winger Savinho. The Man directing the transfer strategy is Enzo Maresca.