Ayyoub Bouaddi, Lille midfielder and Moroccan international, is on the verge of a transfer that could trigger a chain reaction in the market. His arrival at Manchester City would mark the end of an era for the Spanish midfielder at the Etihad.
Manchester City is preparing one of the biggest transfers of the summer. The English champions are ready to shell out as much as £85 million for Lille's 18-year-old midfielder, Ayyoub Bouaddi. The young Moroccan international has caught the eye with his performances, especially at the World Cup for Morocco, and according to Stijena.info, City sees him as a player who could take on an important role in midfield in the long term.
Lille, on the other hand, has no intention of giving in. The French club values its gem at €100 million, or approximately £85 million, an amount that would make Bouaddi one of the most expensive teenagers in football history. Negotiations have not yet been officially confirmed, but market reports suggest that the English giants are seriously preparing the deal.
Bouaddi's potential arrival is not just an investment in the future. He is envisioned as a player who will immediately get a chance in the first team under new coach Enzo Maresca, which is part of the broader picture of City's midfield rebuild. The club has already brought in Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million this summer, while Bernardo Silva has left the club.
However, the biggest story lies behind Rodri's fate. According to The Guardian, it is precisely Bouaddi's arrival that could open the door for the 30-year-old Spaniard to move to Barcelona. City, according to the same source, has almost resigned itself to the possibility of selling a player who has only one year left on his contract. Barcelona has already sent an offer of €45 million, which was rejected, but the Catalans are preparing to come back with a stronger bid. They are trying to raise additional funds by selling Ferran Torres, with PSG showing interest.
The potential transfer of Ayyoub Bouaddi has the power to trigger a chain reaction across Europe. If City agrees to the asking price of €100 million, Lille will receive significant funds for new investments, which, as reported by Stijena.info, could prompt other clubs to raise the prices of their most sought-after young players.
At the same time, the situation also affects the future of other City midfielders. Nottingham Forest is reportedly monitoring Tijjani Reijnders, who arrived from Milan last summer for £46 million. City is aware of the interest, but for now there is no confirmation that they are willing to consider his departure.
While waiting for the outcome, one thing is certain: Manchester City is building a new generation of the team, and the young Moroccan could become its centerpiece. If the deal goes through, it will be a clear signal that the Rodri era at the Etihad is coming to an end.
