Manchester City chase Moroccan prodigy to replace Rodri

A contract running until 2031 underpins Manchester City’s race to sign 18‑year‑old Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, as the club braces for a possible departure of Spanish midfielder Rodri and aims to plug the creative gap in its midfield before the new season begins at the Etihad.

The Premier League champions, also holders of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, are reportedly pushing hard to finalise Bouaddi’s transfer. Their recent domestic success adds urgency to securing a successor for Rodri.

Club officials view the Moroccan as the ideal replacement should the Spanish midfielder leave. They believe his profile matches the creative role Rodri currently occupies.

Negotiations feature a contract that would keep Bouaddi at the Etihad until 2031, giving City more than a decade of control over his development. The length of the deal reflects the club’s confidence in his potential.

Two other major European clubs are linked to the Lille prodigy, prompting City to outbid the competition while finalising a transfer fee with Lille. City’s determination aims to prevent a rival from acquiring the 18‑year‑old sensation.

Earlier this summer City completed their first major midfield acquisition by signing England international Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. Anderson is expected to play a key role under manager Pep Guardiola, with Bouaddi adding depth alongside him.

According to Sam Lee, Bouaddi is envisioned as a deep‑lying playmaker who can dictate tempo from a withdrawn position. His combative nature and strength in duels suit the physical demands of the Premier League.

City acknowledge that Bouaddi must improve his contributions in the final third, a weakness noted in his performances for Lille and the Moroccan youth sides. Targeted coaching will be used to develop his attacking instincts.

The club is pushing hard to seal the transfer before the new season begins, aiming to integrate the midfielder early. If the deal materialises, City will secure a long‑term midfield solution and reinforce squad depth for upcoming campaigns.