Manchester City are now set to close the deal for Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille following Rodri’s transfer to Barcelona.
The decision has been made for Bouaddi to join City now rather than in 2027, with the Premier League champions moving quickly to complete the agreement.
The 18-year-old midfielder and his representatives reached an agreement on personal terms with Manchester City earlier this month, as previously reported by Softfootball.
City are now expected to finalise the club-to-club agreement with Lille, with the remaining negotiations entering their decisive stage.
Bouaddi has attracted significant attention with his composure, technical ability and maturity despite his young age, making him one of Europe’s most highly rated midfield prospects.
His arrival comes immediately after Manchester City agreed to sell Rodri to Barcelona.
Barcelona will pay €60 million fixed, plus €6 million in easily achievable add-ons and a further €10 million in difficult-to-achieve bonuses, potentially taking the total package to €76 million.
With Rodri now heading to Spain, City have accelerated their plans for Bouaddi, who is set to become part of the club’s midfield rebuild.
