Manchester City Eyes Ayyoub Bouaddi as Rodri's Move to Barcelona Looms

Manchester City appears to be on the verge of securing Ayyoub Bouaddi, an 18-year-old talent from Lille. This significant transfer could have major implications, particularly regarding the future of midfielder Rodri.

The transfer market is heating up in Manchester. According to reports from The Guardian, City is close to finalizing a deal for Bouaddi, who has reportedly reached an agreement on personal terms with the club. The only remaining hurdle is negotiating with OSC Lille, which is expected to be costly.

Lille has valued their young prospect at approximately €100 million (£85 million). The club's president, Olivier Letang, has previously indicated a desire to retain Bouaddi for another season, but it seems that resistance is beginning to soften.

Bouaddi as a Key to Rodri's Transfer

Should Bouaddi join Manchester City, it would pave the way for Rodri (30, under contract until 2027) to make a move to FC Barcelona. The Catalan giants are keen on acquiring the Spanish World Cup winner, although their initial offer of around €45 million was rejected by City.

Barcelona may finance Rodri's transfer by selling Ferran Torres, who is reportedly a top target for Paris Saint-Germain. Torres has already reached an agreement with the French club, but Barcelona turned down an initial offer of €40 million from PSG.

Midfield Reshuffle in the Works

If Bouaddi successfully makes the jump to the Etihad Stadium, he will join Elliot Anderson (23) to form the core of a revamped midfield.

Bernardo Silva has already departed, having moved to Real Madrid on a free transfer. Rodri's exit from City seems imminent as well. Anderson was brought in from Nottingham Forest in July for approximately €135.7 million, making him the only significant signing for the Sky Blues thus far.

Last season, Bouaddi made 42 appearances for Lille, failing to score but providing one assist over 3,154 minutes of play. He garnered attention for his impressive performances during the World Cup in the USA, where he shone for Morocco.