Manchester City are in talks with Lille over the signing of 18-year-old Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, as the Premier League champions look to strengthen their midfield following the departure of Rodri.
City are keen to conclude negotiations this week, with the club having already agreed to sell Rodri to Barcelona. Lille are understood to valued Bouaddi at around €100 million (£85.6 million).
The Morocco international has emerged as one of the most highly rated young midfielders in European football, attracting significant attention following his performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Bouaddi started five of Morocco’s six matches at the tournament as the North African side reached the quarter-finals. His performances on the international stage have further increased his reputation and strengthened interest from major European clubs.
The teenager had already made a name for himself at club level with Lille. He made his senior debut for the French club in October 2023, just three days after his 16th birthday, and has since gone on to make 88 appearances for the club.
His rapid development has been particularly notable given his age. Bouaddi has established himself as an important player for Lille while gaining experience in both domestic and European competitions.
He also played a key role in Lille’s campaign last season as the club finished third in Ligue 1, securing another strong league position.
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Bouaddi operates primarily as a deep-lying midfielder, where he is capable of dictating play, controlling possession and helping his team build attacks from deeper areas of the pitch.
His profile could make him an important part of City’s midfield restructuring. The club have already signed Elliot Anderson this summer, with the England international capable of operating as a box-to-box midfielder as well as in the number-six position.
The potential arrival of Bouaddi would therefore give City another young option capable of playing from a deeper midfield role while also providing long-term competition in the position previously dominated by Rodri.
Rodri’s impending move to Barcelona has created a significant gap in City’s midfield. The Spain international spent seven trophy-laden seasons at the Etihad Stadium after joining from Atletico Madrid in 2019.
During his time at City, Rodri made 298 appearances and helped the club win 12 major honours, including four Premier League titles and the Champions League.
City are therefore exploring several midfield options as they reshape the squad, but Bouaddi has become a major target because of his age, technical ability and growing experience.
The reported £85.6 million valuation would represent a substantial investment in a player who is still only 18, but City appear prepared to make a significant commitment to secure his services.
Negotiations between City and Lille are continuing, with the Premier League club hoping to reach an agreement soon and bring Bouaddi to England as part of their next generation of midfield players.
If the deal is completed, Bouaddi would be expected to compete for a regular role while continuing his development under City’s coaching staff, potentially becoming a long-term successor to the midfield responsibilities previously held by Rodri.
BBC
