Rodri future to dictate timing of Ayoub Bouaddi move as Manchester City close in on Lille midfielder

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Manchester City are increasingly confident of signing Lille and Morocco midfielder Ayoub Bouaddi, with the timing of any move to the Etihad expected to hinge on the future of Rodri, according to reports in Europe.

Italian transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano says City believe they can secure an agreement for the highly rated 18-year-old in the coming days, as talks between all parties accelerate.

Posting on X, Romano reported a growing sense of optimism within the Premier League champions that negotiations are moving towards a final agreement which would effectively seal the deal.

The main unresolved issue is understood to be when Bouaddi would actually join Pep Guardiola’s squad. City are yet to decide whether the midfielder will move to Manchester this summer or remain away from the club until 2027.

That decision is expected to depend directly on City’s outgoing transfer business, and in particular on the situation of Spain international Rodri, who has been linked with a move to Real Madrid.

City monitoring Rodri situation

Rodri, a central figure in City’s recent domestic and European success, has attracted interest from the Spanish champions, and any development in his future is likely to shape City’s immediate plans for strengthening their midfield.

If Rodri were to leave, City could look to bring Bouaddi in sooner to bolster their options in the centre of the pitch. Should the Spaniard stay, the club may be prepared to delay integrating the Lille player until 2027.

City’s strategy appears focused on securing Bouaddi’s signature now to protect their long-term midfield structure, while retaining flexibility over his arrival date depending on how their current squad evolves.

Lille in strong position over prized academy graduate

Bouaddi is regarded as one of the standout graduates of Lille’s academy and remains under contract with the Ligue 1 club until 30 June 2029, a deal that significantly strengthens Lille’s hand in negotiations.

The length of that contract means Lille are under no pressure to sell and can demand a substantial fee from any club attempting to sign him.

According to data specialists Transfermarkt, Bouaddi currently has a market valuation of €80m, reflecting a sharp rise following his impressive performances for Morocco at the most recent World Cup.

His displays on the international stage have helped establish him as one of the most promising young midfielders in European football, increasing competition for his signature among leading clubs.

Emerging star attracting Europe’s elite

Since stepping up from Lille’s academy to the first team, Bouaddi has made 96 senior appearances for the French side.

During that time he has provided four assists, figures that underline his potential rather than his current output, given his age and development stage.

Despite relatively modest raw statistics, his technical ability, tactical awareness and maturity have drawn the attention of major European clubs, with City now pushing hard to position themselves at the front of the queue.

For now, City’s priority is to finalise an agreement with Lille and the player’s camp. Once that is in place, the club will decide whether Bouaddi becomes part of Guardiola’s squad in the short term or continues his development elsewhere until a planned arrival in 2027 – a call that may ultimately rest on what happens next with Rodri.