Midfield rebuild takes shape
Manchester City are making serious moves in the summer window. According to multiple reports, the Blues are pushing hard to sign Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi for a fee that could exceed £68m. The 18-year-old is seen as the long-term replacement for Rodri, who is closing in on a move to Real Madrid.
City have already spent over £100m to bring Elliot Anderson in from Nottingham Forest. Now they look set to invest heavily in another midfield addition.
Rodri to Madrid edges closer
Fabrizio Romano reported earlier this week that Real Madrid have made their first formal approach for Rodri. The Spanish side have indicated they are willing to pay over €50m, while Nicolò Schira claims personal terms have already been agreed on a contract until 2030. Rodri, according to Schira, has turned down City’s offer of an extension.
That leaves a sizeable hole in Enzo Maresca’s midfield.
Bouaddi deal accelerating
Schira also states that Bouaddi is one step away from signing for City from Lille, with personal terms agreed on a deal until 2031. Romano has confirmed that conversations are advancing very well, adding that the agreement between the two clubs is getting closer. The Italian journalist says City are accelerating to get the deal done, with further developments expected on Thursday.
If this one comes off, it will be a statement of intent.
Rodri’s departure — if it happens — would leave a gap that few players could fill. Bouaddi, for all his promise, would be stepping into enormous boots. But City’s recruitment machine has earned the benefit of the doubt before.
“Manchester City are accelerating to get Ayyoub Bouaddi deal done with talks to progress today.”
That, from Fabrizio Romano, suggests the endgame is near. Thursday could bring clarity.