Rodri’s exit opens £60m door for City’s Bouaddi plan

Manchester City face a looming midfield void as Rodri prepares to depart for Barcelona, prompting the club to pursue Lille’s 18‑year‑old Moroccan Ayyoub Bouaddi. Talks have begun for a fee around £60 million, positioning Bouaddi as the long‑term successor at the Etihad Stadium.

The club’s recruitment team have opened discussions to sign Bouaddi for a fee in the region of £60 million, explicitly framing him as Rodri’s long‑term replacement. City view the deal as a cornerstone of their midfield succession plan.

Reports from The Athletic and a French publication confirm that City’s scouting department have begun formal talks to secure Bouaddi’s signature. The sources underline the seriousness of the pursuit.

The move reflects City’s proactive approach to succession planning in the engine room, with Rodri’s impending departure to LaLiga with Barcelona creating a clear void. The club aims to fill that gap before the new season.

Bouaddi, 18, is already recognised as one of Europe’s most promising deep‑lying playmakers. The Moroccan international broke into Lille’s senior side at 16 and has earned praise for his press‑resistance and passing range.

His performances in Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League have raised his profile, placing City among the clubs leading the pursuit. He is viewed as a high‑potential successor despite the challenge of replacing a Ballon d’Or and World Cup winner.

City’s strategy favours a long‑term solution over an immediate fix, investing in a player who can develop alongside the new‑look squad in the post‑Guardiola era. Rather than seeking a short‑term stop‑gap, the club is planning for continuity.

If Rodri’s reported £60 million transfer to Barcelona materialises, the funds would unlock the money required for Bouaddi’s move. The deal would represent a significant step in City’s transition plan, ensuring midfield leadership continuity.

Bouaddi’s rise at Lille has drawn comparisons to Rodri’s early career, with both excelling as deep‑lying midfielders possessing technical ability and tactical awareness. His standout displays for Morocco at the 2026 World Cup have further enhanced his reputation, making the pursuit a calculated gamble on youth and potential.