Transfer Rumour Unconfirmed · Gaining tractionDaily Mail FootballUnverified sourceVia Simon Jones· 15 Aug 2026
Man City close to £85m Bouaddi deal as Rodri nears exit
City are on the verge of landing Lille's teenage midfielder as Barcelona circle for Rodri.
A. Bouaddi
player
Player
Ayyoub Bouaddi
Position
Midfielder
Current club
Lille
Linked club
Manchester City
Reported fee
£85m
What happened. Manchester City are close to concluding talks for Lille's £85m-rated midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, as Barcelona press to sign Rodri.
- Bouaddi is an 18-year-old Morocco international.
- Lille coach Davide Ancelotti confirmed negotiations.
- Barcelona have made a third proposal worth £60m for Rodri.
“He’s going to be one of the best midfielders in Europe for the next 10 years.”
— Davide Ancelotti
City may also face offers for Savinho, while Enzo Fernandez interest remains.
In this story
Manchester City
RodriMore to read
The Guardian
Manchester City closing in on £85m Bouaddi to soften blow of Rodri’s expected exit
Mirror Football
Man City and Arsenal handed Ayyoub Bouaddi transfer update with coach admission
BBC Sport
Man City reject fresh Rodri bid - Friday's gossip
BBC Sport
The main contenders to replace Rodri at Man City
Sky Sports
Man City reject fresh Barcelona bid for Rodri
The Guardian
Chelsea set Friday deadline for Fernández suitors as City reject new £51m Barça bid for Rodri