World Cup Revelation Headed to Manchester City

Manchester City is reportedly in advanced talks with Lille to secure the signing of Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, as Rodri's departure to Barcelona appears imminent.

The reigning Premier League champions aim to finalize the deal this week, preparing to meet Lille's €100 million (£85.6 million) asking price for the 18-year-old talent.

Meanwhile, Rodri's exit is expected to be formalized in the coming days. The 30-year-old Spanish international captain is set to sign a four-year contract with Barcelona in a transfer valued at €76 million. The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner leaves City after seven trophy-laden seasons, having made 298 appearances since his arrival from Atlético Madrid in 2019.

Ayyoub Bouaddi is seen as a long-term successor. The midfielder impressed at the World Cup, starting all five of Morocco's matches en route to the quarter-finals. He had already made his mark internationally in 2024 with a standout performance in Lille's Champions League victory over Real Madrid.

Operating as a deep-lying playmaker, Bouaddi would complement summer recruit Elliot Anderson, who is comfortable both as a box-to-box midfielder and in the number six role he plays for the English national team. Since his debut in October 2023, just three days after his 16th birthday, Bouaddi has already featured in 88 games for Lille, helping the team secure a third-place finish in Ligue 1 last season.

It remains to be seen if this potential signing will impact City's interest in Chelsea's Enzo Fernández. Sources close to the situation confirm that manager Enzo Maresca maintains a strong interest in the Argentine midfielder.