Manchester City’s £46 million midfield gamble hinges on Bouaddi

£46 million was paid by Manchester City in June 2025 for Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders after his transfer from AC Milan, underscoring the scale of the club’s reshuffle. The figure now looms over the club’s plans as it eyes a departure for Reijnders while targeting 18‑year‑old Lille prodigy Ayyoub Bouaddi.

Manchester City are preparing a midfield overhaul and are moving to secure Ayyoub Bouaddi, a deal that would clear the way for Tijjani Reijnders to leave. Director of football Hugo Viana must finalise the Bouaddi negotiation before City would sanction a formal transfer for Reijnders. Enzo Maresca and Viana are prioritising younger, higher‑ceiling profiles over Reijnders’ established experience.

Reijnders’ first season at the Etihad produced moments of genuine quality, yet a squad in transition and uncertainty surrounding the end of Pep Guardiola’s tenure prevented him from establishing consistent influence. The £46 million fee made him one of the Premier League’s most expensive Midfielder acquisitions. The same fee coincided with his Serie A Best Midfielder award for the 2024‑25 season.

City view Bouaddi as a direct midfield evolution rather than a simple addition. The club is prepared to let the teenager initially return to Lille on loan, freeing space and funding for the senior midfielder’s exit.

Galatasaray are keeping close tabs on the Netherlands international and could move for him this summer if Manchester City grant permission. The Turkish club’s Champions League ambitions and financially competitive market make Reijnders an attractive proposition.

The conditionality protects City by ensuring Reijnders is not sold speculatively but only as a consequence of the Bouaddi deal. Whether Viana can conclude the Bouaddi negotiation before the transfer window closes – and thereby trigger Reijnders’ departure – remains one of the most intriguing connected storylines of City’s remaining summer business.