Rodri is far superior to youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi, in quality, in experience, in virtually every metric. But Manchester City replacing one with the other would still be a massive stroke this summer.
City are close to completing a deal with Lille for Bouaddi, according to reports. The 18-year-old is expected to be Rodri’s replacement as the latter prepares to leave the club for Barcelona.
While Rodri is a Ballon d’Or level-player, a midfield maestro, probably one of the best midfielders to ever play the game, he is still 30 years old and has suffered with fitness over the past two years, after his unfortunate ACL injury against Arsenal in September 2024.
He is hardly ever available for City now, and with Pep Guardiola gone, it is unsurprising that both sides think this is a good enough time to part ways.
Pure brilliance 🤩 pic.twitter.com/nbPrHo4mnP
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 9, 2026
City would still love to keep him on a new contract, for sure, but managing to get Lille’s Bouaddi means they steal a move on most top clubs and land the young prospect this summer. They are fortifying themselves for the future.
Bouaddi has agreed personal terms with City but negotiations with Lille are continuing. The French club value the Morocco international at €100m (£85m).
City’s new manager, Enzo Maresca, intends to bring Bouaddi into his first-team squad immediately. His arrival would also give Maresca another option in a midfield that has already seen Elliot Anderson join from Nottingham Forest for £116m.
