Manchester City’s Rodri exit hinges on Bouaddi signing

Manchester City say they would consider selling midfielder Rodri to Real Madrid only if they first secure a replacement in the defensive midfield role. The club view the arrival of Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi as the condition that could turn the Rodri saga into a feasible transfer.

Man City’s hierarchy prefers to retain Rodri even if he does not sign a new contract extension this summer. They value the World Cup Golden Ball winner at “significantly more” than the €50 million figure that has been linked to Real Madrid.

Real Madrid are understood to have reached a personal agreement with Rodri, and the midfielder has communicated his desire to join the Spanish side. This development has added a sense of inevitability to the transfer speculation that City have tried to resist.

Manchester City have agreed five‑year contract terms with Ayyoub Bouaddi as negotiations with Lille move into the final stages. The signing would give Enzo Maresca’s squad depth ahead of the 2026‑27 campaign and could make a Rodri departure manageable.

Bouaddi is identified as the long‑term heir in the defensive midfield position should Rodri eventually leave. Previous reports place the Lille fee for the Morocco international at around £85 million.

Ben Jacobs says City’s asking price for Rodri is roughly €80 million, while Real Madrid are believed to have capped their offer at €60 million. The resulting €20 million gap explains why City have not moved decisively despite the player’s personal preference.

Director of football Hugo Viana describes the Bouaddi variable as the most actionable element in the club’s summer strategy. He stresses that the sequencing of the Bouaddi signing and any Rodri deal will be one of the most consequential questions for the Etihad in the final weeks of the window.

Manchester City’s stance is to let Rodri see out the remaining year of his contract if a satisfactory fee cannot be reached. Thus, the club remains in a stable negotiating position, unwilling to sanction a sale on terms it deems inadequate.