EPL: Man City close in on Morocco’s Bouaddi after Rodri exit

Manchester City is reportedly nearing a deal to acquire promising Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, signaling a significant midfield reinforcement. The move appears to be accelerated by the impending departure of key player Rodri, who is set to join Barcelona in a deal valued around £65 million.

Negotiations between City and Lille for the 18-year-old Bouaddi are advanced, with personal terms already agreed. Lille is understood to value the young talent at approximately £85 million (€100m). Sources indicate that Bouaddi could join Manchester City immediately, rather than being loaned back to Lille for another season.

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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.

Bouaddi is considered a crucial component of manager Enzo Maresca's midfield strategy. He featured for Morocco in the 2026 World Cup and has emerged as one of Lille's most highly-rated young prospects. His potential arrival marks another significant investment in City's midfield this summer, following the club-record acquisition of Elliot Anderson.

The club is pushing to finalize Bouaddi's transfer as they prepare for a new era, with Rodri's exit creating a void that the young Moroccan is expected to help fill.

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Any team ‘ld miss him