Manchester City closing in on Bouaddi signing as Rodri’s Barcelona move nears
Manchester City are reportedly nearing the acquisition of Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, a move that could facilitate Rodri’s anticipated transfer to Barcelona. The 18-year-old midfielder has reportedly agreed to personal terms with City, who are now working to finalise the deal with Lille.
Lille reportedly values the Morocco international at €100m (£85m). According to one report, City may be able to negotiate a package between €70m and €80m to complete the transfer. The player is said to be eager to join City promptly.
Midfield changes at City
City’s new manager, Enzo Maresca, is reportedly keen to integrate Bouaddi into the first-team squad immediately. This potential signing follows the acquisition of Elliott Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116m last month, as City looks to reshape its midfield after the departure of Bernardo Silva.
Bouaddi’s performances for both club and country have drawn attention. During the 2025-26 season, he made 35 starts and five substitute appearances across Ligue 1 and Europa League competitions for Lille. He has also earned five starts for Morocco at the World Cup.
The pursuit of Bouaddi comes amidst expectations of Rodri’s departure to Barcelona. While Barcelona’s initial €45m bid for Rodri was rejected, they are reportedly confident of securing his transfer. The sale of Ferran Torres, who is of interest to Paris Saint-Germain, could help finance Rodri’s purchase. Rodri, aged 30, has one year remaining on his contract with City.
Other transfer market developments
Elsewhere in the transfer market, Real Madrid is reportedly interested in signing Martin Zubimendi, aged 25, from Premier League champions Arsenal. Arsenal and Brazil forward Gabriel Jesus, aged 29, is reportedly open to a move to Napoli this summer. Additionally, Italian side AS Roma has held initial talks with representatives of Gabriel Martinelli, aged 25, an Arsenal and Brazil winger.
Both Barcelona and Tottenham have reportedly made enquiries to Bayern Munich regarding England forward Harry Kane, aged 33, for a potential summer transfer. Manchester United are reportedly considering a move for RB Leipzig and Germany defender David Raum, aged 28, after not signing England left-back Lewis Hall, aged 21, from Newcastle.
Bradley Barcola, aged 23, has reportedly given his approval for a move to Liverpool, despite a late approach from Arsenal. The Paris St-Germain and France forward is valued at approximately £130m. Inter Milan and Italy defender Alessandro Bastoni, aged 27, and Crystal Palace and England midfielder Adam Wharton, aged 22, are also of interest to Real Madrid, who aim to make three more summer signings.
Marseille and Denmark midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, aged 31, has reportedly declined an offer to join Newcastle. Tottenham and England defender Djed Spence, aged 26, is reportedly back on Inter Milan’s agenda. Jamie Vardy could potentially return to English football, with Championship side West Ham reportedly considering a move for the 39-year-old former Leicester City and England striker, who is currently a free agent after his contract with Italian side Cremonese ended.
West Ham are also in discussions with Arsenal to sign Reiss Nelson, the 26-year-old English winger. Premier League newcomers Hull City have had a bid rejected for Swansea City forward Zan Vipotnik, the 24-year-old Slovenia international. Sunderland’s DR Congo defender Arthur Masuaku, aged 32, is reportedly finalising a move to Konyaspor. Atletico Madrid has launched a bid of €35m (£30m) for Lille’s 21-year-old Belgium forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo, who is also attracting interest from Arsenal and Liverpool. Napoli has reopened talks with Chelsea to finalise a deal for French centre-back Benoit Badiashile, aged 25.
Source: bbc.co.uk
Nathan Crowley is the Sports News Writer at NewsUK, covering rugby union, golf and boxing with six years of reporting experience. He moved from regional newspapers into digital sport. He holds a degree in Journalism from Cardiff University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Cardiff, he plays amateur rugby and follows the Six Nations closely. “Speed and accuracy are not a trade-off in sport news.”
