EPL: Man City close in on Morocco’s Bouaddi after Rodri exit
August 16, 2026 10:30 pm
Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille
Photo : Web
Manchester City are closing in on a deal to sign Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille as the club prepare for life after Rodri.
City have been in negotiations with Lille over the 18-year-old, with personal terms already agreed. The French club are understood to value Bouaddi at around £85 million (€100m).
Fabrizio Romano on X on Sunday said, Manchester City are now set to close Ayyoub Bouaddi deal with Lille after selling Rodri to Barcelona.
The agreement on personal terms was reached days ago and the decision has been made: Bouaddi joins NOW, not in 2027.”
The move has gathered pace following Manchester City’s agreement to sell Rodri to Barcelona for a fee worth around £65 million. The Spain international is expected to complete his move to the Catalan club after seven successful seasons at the Etihad.
Bouaddi is now viewed as a key part of City’s midfield rebuild. The Moroccan international, who featured for Morocco at the 2026 World Cup, has emerged as one of Lille’s most highly rated young players and could arrive in Manchester immediately rather than remain in France for another season.
Manchester City have already spent heavily on their midfield this summer, including a club-record £116 million deal for Elliot Anderson, but manager Enzo Maresca has indicated that further additions are expected before the transfer window closes.
With Rodri heading for Barcelona, City are now pushing to make Bouaddi their latest midfield addition and one of the biggest statements of their new era.
Gilbert Ekugbe is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience reporting on business and economic affairs. He covers markets, corporate developments, finance, and Nigeria’s broader economic landscape. His reporting is informed by extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accuracy and responsible journalism, helping readers understand complex business issues.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]